Heat-pump rebates in Rhode Island (2026)
What's actually available in Rhode Island for a heat pump or mini-split — the federal HEAR (Home Electrification & Appliance Rebates) program status, dollar ranges, income rules, and the utility rebates that stack on top. Cited and dated.
This program is live — but amounts, funding and income rules change; confirm before you rely on it.
Important — new federal rule (May 2026): Under updated US DOE guidance, the HEAR heat-pump rebate now generally applies only to new construction or homes that already have electric heat (e.g. replacing electric resistance/baseboard or an old electric heat pump). Replacing a gas, propane or oil furnace with a heat pump generally no longer qualifies for the HEAR rebate. States are adopting this on rolling timelines and the exact per-state effective dates are still settling, so confirm your specific eligibility with your state energy office. Your utility's own heat-pump rebates and any state tax credit may still apply regardless. General info as of 2026, not tax advice.
| Program status | Live · low-income |
|---|---|
| HEAR status | LIVE (partial). First New England state to launch the HEAR low-income pathway (≤80% AMI) in Sept 2024. Moderate-income tier (up to 150% AMI) under development. HOMES awaiting final DOE approval. |
| Amount (verify) | Up to $8,000 per heat pump (≤80% AMI, 100% of cost); moderate-income 81–150% AMI pilot LAUNCHED May 2026 (50% of cost, plus a retail-coupon option). RI HEAR allocation ~$31.8M. |
| Income rules | ≤80% AMI = up to $8,000 (100% of cost); 81–150% AMI moderate-income pilot now open (50% of cost, launched May 2026). AMI by household size/metro. |
| Utility programs | Stacks with Clean Heat RI (RI Energy utility program) heat-pump rebates (reported up to ~$11,500 for whole-home, open to broader incomes). |
Confidence: High on low-income HEAR being live; moderate-income tier status may have changed — verify with RI OER. As of July 2026.
Source: Rhode Island energy office / program page. Also see the federal 25C & HEAR overview.
Now pick the right system
Rebates often require a qualifying efficiency (e.g. ENERGY STAR / cold-climate). Compare models and size it properly:
Compare systems → Sizing calculator →General information as of 2026, compiled from public sources — not tax or financial advice. Program amounts, funding and eligibility change often and vary by county, household size and utility; some programs pause or exhaust funds mid-year. Confirm every amount and your eligibility with the Rhode Island energy office and your utility, and consult a tax professional before relying on any rebate or credit.