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As Buncombe County becomes a frontrunner in North Carolina’s efforts to cut utility expenses for low-income households, a new state initiative promises significant savings. The Energy Saver North Carolina program is set to address energy efficiency and electrification needs amidst rising temperatures and energy costs.
Funded through the Biden Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the program offers two rebate initiatives. The Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) program provides rebates for improvements such as air sealing and energy-efficient HVAC systems. Meanwhile, the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) covers upgrades for vital electrical appliances like water heaters and stoves.
With projections indicating a rise in extreme heat across the Southeast, Helen Hossley from the Department for Environmental Quality explained that the program aims to reduce energy costs for homeowners facing unpredictable weather patterns.
“By investing in electrification and energy efficiency, we’re helping to lower the carbon emissions while making homes more resilient to extreme weather,” Hossley said. “We’re also creating lower household energy demand to reduce the overall strain on the electrical grid and to make homes more resilient.”
Hossley emphasized that those impacted by Hurricane Helene should especially consider applying. “Many families in Buncombe County struggle with high utility bills because of their outdated or inefficient home systems,” she said. “And so, when we saw the devastation that Hurricane Helene caused in Buncombe County, and so many of the other Western counties, we knew that we wanted to prioritize it for the program’s rollout.”
Eligibility for a full rebate on appliances is available for single-family homes earning less than 80% of the area median income (AMI), starting at $52,150 for a one-person household in Buncombe County. Households earning between 80% and 150% of AMI can receive a 50% rebate.
Currently, the Energy Saver programs are available to residents in 15 counties, including Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Halifax, Henderson, Lincoln, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Watauga, and Yancey Counties.
To qualify, applicants need to provide proof of income, past utility bills, and other relevant information. Hossley noted that nearly 150 applications have already been submitted from Buncombe County.
The program plans to extend its reach to more North Carolina counties in the future.
For more information on Energy Saver eligibility and the application process, visit the DEQ website. Applications can be submitted by mail, phone, or online at energysavernc.org.
Energy Saver NC provides phone support for inquiries, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 866-998-8555.
