How to Take Advantage of Efficiency Maine’s Rebates for Income-Eligible Households

Efficiency Maine offers low-cost and no-cost energy upgrades for eligible households, which can enhance comfort and save residents money. This blog will highlight available rebates for income-eligible Maine households and provide tips on how to make the most of these opportunities.

Eligibility

Eligibility for Efficiency Maine’s income-eligible rebates is based on enrollment in specific programs or on household adjusted gross income (AGI):

• Low-income rebates are available for residents enrolled in: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for cash assistance, or MaineCare for medical insurance coverage.
• Moderate-income rebates are available for residents with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of up to $70,000 for individual filers and $100,000 for joint filers.*

You can verify your income-based eligibility at efficiencymaine.com/income-based-eligibility-verification/. 

Heating and Cooling Rebates

Efficiency Maine offers heat pump rebates of 80% of the project cost up to maximum rebate of $8,000 for low-income residents and 60% of the project cost up to maximum rebate of $6,000 for moderate-income residents. Mainers who don’t qualify as low- or moderate-income are eligible for rebates up to 40% or $4,000 or the project cost.

Over 100,000 heat pumps have been installed in Maine and they are now more common than oil heat in new homes. They offer highly efficient heating, air conditioning, and dehumidification. To secure your heat pump rebate, start by verifying your eligibility, and then locate a Registered Residential Vendor in your area. These contractors can install your heat pump(s) and facilitate your Efficiency Maine rebate.

Insulation Rebates

Efficiency Maine offers insulation rebates of 80% of the project cost up to maximum rebate of $8,000 for low-income residents and 60% of the project cost up to maximum rebate of $6,000 for moderate-income residents. Mainers who don’t qualify as low- or moderate-income are eligible for rebates up to 40% or $4,000 or the project cost.

Adding insulation and reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home can be a cost-effective way to reduce heating costs and improve comfort. Learn more about Efficiency Maine insulation rebates here, or contact a Registered Residential Vendor today to get started.

Water Heating Rebates

Efficiency Maine offers an instant discount at major retailers** or a mail-in rebate on heat pump water heaters for Maine residents, often making them less expensive to buy than less efficient traditional electric water heaters. The mail-in rebate amount for equipment purchased without an instant discount is $850***. Check out this page on our website to learn where to buy your heat pump water heater at the best price. You’ll also find information about federal tax credits of 30% up to $2,000.

Electric Vehicle Rebates

Efficiency Maine offers rebates up to $7,500 for low- and moderate-income residents for new and used battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Visit efficiencymaine.com/electric-vehicle-incentives-for-low-and-moderate-income-mainers/ to learn more.

*Single-family house, two-unit duplex, or condominium, that is located in Maine. Mixed-use (residential/business) buildings with commercial meter(s), residential buildings with three or more units, and all other buildings are covered under the Commercial and Industrial Program.
** Visit efficiencymaine.com/in-store-instant-discounts/ for current instant discount amounts. 
***Rebate amount as of 09/10/2024. For current rebate amounts visit efficiencymaine.com/at-home/heat-pump-water-heater-program/.