Rhode Island – Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) Program

Summary

Note: The Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) Program. The IRA established the main parameters for this program, but allowed the states to customize the program to meet their state-specific needs. The program is designed to award rebates for purchase of qualifying home electrification equipment and appliances. Residents earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) can receive the full rebate amount, and residents earning between 80% and 150% AMI can receive a partial rebate. See summary below and program website for complete details.

Rhode Island is launching the HEAR program in phases. As of December 2024, only the low-income track (80% AMI threshold) is available. The moderate-income track (150% AMI threshold) is expected in 2025.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, will receive $32 million in federal funding for the HEAR Program. Incentives are available to owners of single-family homes, owners of multi-family homes, and renters with landlord permission who earn less than 80% of their county’s AMI or who participate in certain state or federal benefit programs. Rhode Island is partnerning with local Community Action Agencies to review resident eligibility and provide incentives for the low-income track.

Incentives are available for:

• Electric Load Service Center (electric panel upgrades): up to $4,000 for low-income; up to $2,000 for moderate-income
• Electric Wiring: up to $2,500 for low-income; up to $1,250 for moderate-income
• Heat Pump Clothes Dryer: up to $1,840 for low-income; up to $420 for moderate income
• Electric Stove, Induction Cooktop, Range, or Oven (switching from a non-electric model): up to $1,840 for low-income; up to $420 for moderate income