Efficiency Maine, the federal government, and some local city and town municipalities offer heat pump rebates to all income types. In additional, solar programs and utility discount programs are now making heat pump systems more appealing than ever. With over 100,000 heat pumps installed in Maine, they are now more common than oil in new homes. Because heat pumps offer highly efficient heating, air conditioning, and dehumidification, heat pumps can serve as the primary heating and cooling system in a home.
Efficiency Maine Rebates
These rebate changes impact heat pumps installed on or after September 18, 2023.
Low-Income Customers: 80% of the cost, up to $8,000 or 80% of the cost or up to $4,000 for a single-zone heat pump (participants in HEAP, SNAP, TANF, and MaineCare qualify.) See if you are eligible for a low-cost or no-cost heat pump rebate.
Moderate Income Customers: 60% of the cost, up to $6,000. Qualification is based on household income. Adjusted gross income up to $70,000 for an individual filing as single, head of household, or married filing separately, or $100,000 if married filing jointly or individual filing as a qualifying widower. See if you qualify for a moderate-income rebate based on your adjusted gross income.
Any Income: 40% of the cost, up to $4,000.
Eligibility Factors:
- Heat pumps must be sized to meet at least 80% of your home’s peak heating load, making it the primary heating system.
- Heat pumps must be single-zone, and the equipment must qualify for the Inflation Reduction Act tax credit.
- Boiler/Furnace must be disabled or connected only to a generator.
Calculate Your Savings On The Efficiency Maine Home Heating Cost Calculator.
Federal Government Incentives
A tax credit of up to $2,600 was put into effect for any projects billed as of January 1, 2023. The criteria for qualifying requires customers to have a tax liability of $2,000 or more on qualifying equipment. We are working with vendors to get an updated list of which equipment qualifies, so please contact us for more information. This credit resets each tax year, effectively becoming available again for additional projects.
See FAQs on the Inflation Reduction Act.
Local Incentive Programs
The following cities and towns offer grants for heat pump installations based on income limits or household value. Customers can take advantage of these programs in addition to Efficiency Maine and federal government incentives:
City of Bangor: Up to $2,000 based on homeowner income. See the current income limits.
Town of Freeport: Up to $1,200 based on homeowner income. See the current limits and access the application.
Utility Discounts
Both Central Maine Power and Versant Power offer homes with heat pumps special rates during the winter months.
Learn more about both programs: CMP Electric Technology Rate, Versant Power Home Eco Rate.
Community Solar Program
Maine has programs available that allow citizens to benefit from the Community Solar projects around the state. Participating customers receive credits on their electric utility bill that reduces the amount of the payment owed to the utility, to the standard offer service provider, or, if applicable, to the customer’s competitive electricity provider. Typically signing up is free and customers can save up to 15% on their utility bills. Sounds good to go be true? It’s not!
Learn more about the Community Solar Program and find a solar provider near you.
