Rhode Island Energy Rebates Overview
Rhode Island's home energy incentive picture in 2026 centers on RI HEAR (the state's IRA-funded High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate program), administered by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER). Rhode Island is a small state with a relatively simple utility landscape — most residential electric customers are served by National Grid, while gas service is handled by RI Energy (formerly National Grid gas, rebranded after acquisition by PPL Corporation).
Rhode Island has historically been one of the stronger New England states for energy efficiency programs, participating in the regional NE-ISO grid and benefiting from coordinated efficiency programs across the New England states. National Grid's Rhode Island territory runs rebate programs similar to (but separate from) its Massachusetts programs.
✓ How to Apply for RI HEAR
Contact the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources at energy.ri.gov or call 401-574-9100. You must use a registered RI HEAR contractor. The rebate is paid directly to the contractor at project completion — confirm contractor registration before signing any contract.
Rhode Island Utility Programs
Nearly all Rhode Island residential customers are served by National Grid (electric) and RI Energy (gas). Check your bill to confirm.
⚡ National Grid (Electric)
Serves virtually all of Rhode Island for electricity. Heat pump rebates up to $1,250 for cold-climate systems.
📞 1-800-322-3223
nationalgridus.com →Cold climate heat pumpUp to $1,250
Standard heat pumpUp to $400
Ductless mini-splitUp to $1,250
Geothermal / ground-sourceUp to $1,500
🔥 RI Energy (Gas)
Serves gas customers statewide. Offers rebates for high-efficiency heating equipment and insulation upgrades.
📞 1-800-870-1367
rienergy.com →High-efficiency boiler/furnaceVaries
Programmable thermostatUp to $75
Insulation (gas customers)Up to $200
Home energy assessmentFree
All 11 Rhode Island Programs (2026–2027)
Data sourced from Rewiring America API · Verified July 2026 · Confirm at energy.ri.gov, nationalgridus.com, and rienergy.com
| Program | Applies To | Benefit | Income |
|---|
RI HEAR — Heat Pump (Enhanced) RI Office of Energy Resources · Rebate View Official Program → | Heat pump (ducted or ductless) | Up to $8,000 | Below 80% AMI |
RI HEAR — Heat Pump (Standard) RI Office of Energy Resources · Rebate | Heat pump (ducted or ductless) | Up to $4,000 | 80–150% AMI |
RI HEAR — Heat Pump Water Heater RI Office of Energy Resources · Rebate | Heat pump water heater | Up to $1,750 | Below 150% AMI |
RI HEAR — Insulation & Air Sealing RI Office of Energy Resources · Rebate | Insulation, air sealing | Up to $1,600 | Below 150% AMI |
RI HEAR — Electric Panel Upgrade RI Office of Energy Resources · Rebate | Electrical panel upgrade | Up to $4,000 | Below 150% AMI |
National Grid — Cold Climate Heat Pump National Grid RI · Rebate View Official Program → | Cold climate heat pump (16+ SEER2) | Up to $1,250 | National Grid electric customers |
National Grid — Standard Heat Pump National Grid RI · Rebate | Standard air-source heat pump | Up to $400 | National Grid electric customers |
RI Energy — Heating Efficiency Rebate RI Energy · Rebate View Official Program → | Gas heating efficiency upgrades | Varies by measure | RI Energy gas customers |
RI Commerce — Renewable Energy Grant RI Commerce Corp. · Grant View Official Program → | Solar, geothermal, wind | Varies | Income-qualified |
Federal 25C — Heat Pump Tax Credit IRS (Form 5695) · Tax Credit View Official Program → | Heat pump (all types) | 30%, up to $2,000/yr | No income limit |
Federal 25D — Solar Tax Credit IRS (Form 5695) · Tax Credit | Solar panels + battery storage | 30% (no cap) | No income limit |
FAQ — Rhode Island Energy Rebates
Who qualifies for RI HEAR heat pump rebates?
RI HEAR Enhanced Rebates are for households below 80% of Area Median Income — up to $8,000 for heat pump installation. Standard Rebates (80–150% AMI) offer up to $4,000. Both homeowners and renters of single-family homes and qualifying multifamily buildings may apply. SNAP, Medicaid, and RIte Care participants often qualify automatically for enhanced rebates.
What is the difference between National Grid and RI Energy?
National Grid serves Rhode Island electricity customers. RI Energy (formerly National Grid gas, rebranded in 2022 after being acquired by PPL Corporation) serves gas customers. You may receive electric service from National Grid and gas service from RI Energy — they are now separate companies with separate rebate programs. Check both utility websites for your complete rebate picture.
Does Rhode Island have a net metering program for solar?
Yes — Rhode Island has a net metering program for solar panel systems up to 25 kW for residential customers. Excess electricity is credited at the full retail rate on your National Grid bill. Rhode Island also has a Renewable Energy Growth (REG) program offering fixed-rate incentives for solar generation, which in some cases may pay more than standard net metering depending on system size and enrollment timing.
Can I get a free home energy assessment in Rhode Island?
Yes — RI Energy offers free home energy assessments for gas customers. National Grid offers energy efficiency assessments as part of its efficiency programs. These audits identify insulation gaps, air sealing opportunities, and heating system inefficiencies, and can help you prioritize which HEAR rebate measures to pursue first. Schedule through your utility or the RI OER.
Get your personalized Rhode Island rebate report
Enter your ZIP, income, and project type. See RI HEAR + National Grid programs available for your address — free preview first.
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More New England Energy Rebate Guides
This guide is for educational purposes only. Program details change frequently. Always verify with energy.ri.gov, nationalgridus.com, and rienergy.com before starting a project. Data sourced from Rewiring America API, verified July 2026.