Home Electrification & Appliance Rebate (HEAR) | Rhode Island
Up to $4,000 toward a new electrical panel. Up to $2,500 for wiring.
The HEAR Program helps income-qualified Rhode Island homeowners cover the electrical work behind a home electrification project — administered by the RI Office of Energy Resources.
Two ways to qualify
The program reserves funds for income-eligible and moderate-income households across Rhode Island.
Income Eligible pathway
For households that already qualify for LIHEAP heating assistance. Apply through your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency, which can also schedule a no-cost home energy assessment.
Retail pathway
For households with income up to 150% of the Area Median Income. This track launched as a pilot in May 2026 — reach out to Newport Electric directly to apply.
Open to renters too
Single-family homes, multi-family homes, and renters across Rhode Island can all apply, subject to fund availability.
First-come, first-served
Rebates are reserved as applications come in. The earlier you apply, the more certain your funding.
What the program pays
Newport County qualifies at a higher income
Homes in Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth qualify at a noticeably higher income ceiling than the rest of the state. Limits are set per county and household size — shown here for a family of four.
From eligibility check to finished work
Check your pathway
We help you figure out whether Income Eligible or Retail applies based on your household size and income.
Apply
Income Eligible households apply through their local CAP agency. Retail applicants apply directly with Newport Electric.
We assess the work
Our electricians confirm exactly what panel or wiring upgrades your electrification project needs.
Rebate applied, work completed
Once approved, we complete the upgrade at the rebate-reduced price.
See every incentive you may qualify for — in one place
The State of Rhode Island runs a single calculator that syncs your info across all its energy incentive programs at once, so you don’t have to check each program separately.
Apply directly for the HEAR rebate
You can start the official HEAR application yourself at any time, or have us assess the work first so your application reflects the exact panel or wiring upgrade you need.
Apply now
Go straight to the official Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources application.
Let us assess first
Our electricians confirm the exact panel or wiring scope so your application is accurate the first time.
Find out what your panel or wiring upgrade could cost you.
Common questions about applying
Pulled from the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources’ official HEAR program FAQ. See the full HEAR program overview for more.
What documents do I need to apply?
One income verification document: a W-2, Form 1040, LIHEAP benefit letter, or Public Housing Credit, along with proof of residency.
Can I get quotes before I'm approved?
Yes. You can research options and get quotes from OER-approved contractors ahead of time, but electrical work can't begin until you receive official approval from OER.
Can landlords participate?
Yes, on the retail pathway. The landlord signs a Landlord Agreement with OER and provides income documentation for the household — the agreement bars rent increases tied to the upgrade for 2 years after installation.
What if my income is just above the limit?
150% AMI is a firm federal cutoff for HEAR. Rhode Island offers other efficiency programs open to all incomes, including RI Clean Heat — ask us which one fits during your consultation.
Is the retail pathway available everywhere in Rhode Island yet?
Not yet. The pilot currently covers 11 municipalities, including Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth, plus Pawtucket and the rest of the East Bay. It's expected to expand statewide after the pilot.
Who do I contact with questions about my application?
OER staff can help directly at energy.HEAR@energy.ri.gov or by phone. We can also walk you through it during your assessment.
See What Your Home Qualifies For
Takes 60 seconds. We'll run the numbers on your REF grant, storage adder, and ConnectedSolutions eligibility and get back to you within one business day.
