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Qualifying Connecticut households receive free home energy assessments, 100% off insulation, and no-cost weatherization through Energize CT's HES-IE program. Everything covered -- $0 out of pocket.
Last updated February 2026 | Federal 25C/25D tax credits EXPIRED Dec 31, 2025.
HES-IE stands for Home Energy Solutions -- Income Eligible. It is Energize CT's enhanced version of the standard Home Energy Solutions (HES) program, designed specifically for Connecticut households with limited incomes. While the standard HES program charges a $50 copay and covers 75% of insulation costs, HES-IE eliminates all costs entirely -- the assessment is free, and all qualifying improvements are covered at 100%.
The program is administered by CLEAResult on behalf of Eversource and United Illuminating (UI), and is funded through Connecticut's ratepayer system benefits charge. Every Eversource and UI customer who meets the income requirements can participate regardless of whether they own or rent their home (with landlord permission for renters).
HES-IE eligibility is based on 60% of Connecticut State Median Income (SMI). These thresholds are updated annually. If your household income is at or below the amount shown for your household size, you qualify for all HES-IE benefits at no cost.
| Household Size | Annual Income Threshold (60% SMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $32,040 |
| 2 people | $41,880 |
| 3 people | $51,720 |
| 4 people | $61,560 |
| 5 people | $71,400 |
| 6 people | $81,240 |
Even if your income is above the 60% SMI threshold, you automatically qualify for HES-IE if you are currently enrolled in any of the following programs. No separate income verification is needed -- just bring proof of program enrollment.
Tip: If you are enrolled in any of these programs, bring your enrollment letter or benefits card when the HES-IE technician arrives. This is often faster than income documentation. Call 211 (Connecticut's information line) if you need help determining which programs you are enrolled in.
The entire process is free. Energize CT handles all the coordination, and qualifying improvements are completed at no cost to you.
Review the 60% SMI thresholds above, or check if you are enrolled in any of the alternate qualifying programs.
Most recent tax return, or proof of enrollment in LIHEAP/SNAP/HUSKY/SSI/Section 8.
Call 877-947-3873 and request HES-IE specifically. Mention your income situation or program enrollment.
HES-IE assessment is completely free (no $50 copay). Same comprehensive assessment as standard HES.
Insulation, air sealing, and other measures are installed at 100% program cost — $0 to you.
Ready to get started? Call Energize CT directly:
877-947-3873Ask specifically for HES-IE (Income-Eligible). Mention your income situation or program enrollment.
Beyond HES-IE, Connecticut offers several other energy assistance programs for income-eligible households. These programs help with utility bills, emergency fuel needs, and home weatherization. Many can be combined with HES-IE benefits.
Federal heating assistance — pays utility bills directly
Emergency energy assistance for CT residents
State-funded energy bill assistance
Federally funded home weatherization for low-income households
Not sure where to start? Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Connecticut. Trained specialists can connect you with energy assistance programs, food assistance, healthcare enrollment, and other social services based on your specific situation. Available 24/7 in multiple languages.
The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit and Section 25D residential solar ITC both expired December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for heat pumps, insulation, or solar panels in 2026. Energize CT programs (state-funded through utility ratepayers) remain your primary incentive source. These are direct rebates, not tax credits, which is better for income-eligible households because they do not require tax liability to benefit from.
NuWatt works with income-eligible Connecticut households through Energize CT to maximize available benefits. We help coordinate your HES-IE assessment with weatherization improvements and heat pump installations so you get the full value of every program you qualify for.
NuWatt is an independent energy advisor. We are not affiliated with Energize CT, CLEAResult, or CT Green Bank. We help you navigate these programs and provide installation services.
You qualify for HES-IE if your household income is at or below 60% of State Median Income (SMI). For a family of 4, that is approximately $61,560/year (2026 threshold). You also qualify automatically if you are enrolled in LIHEAP, SNAP, HUSKY Health, SSI, Section 8, or are on a utility hardship/discount rate. Call Energize CT at 877-947-3873 to verify your eligibility.
Yes. HES-IE is completely free. The assessment itself has no copay (unlike standard HES which charges $50). All qualifying improvements -- insulation, air sealing, LED bulbs, smart thermostat, showerheads, aerators, and pipe insulation -- are covered at 100% by Energize CT. There is no cost to the homeowner for any HES-IE-covered measures.
HES (Home Energy Solutions) is the standard program available to all Eversource and UI customers. It has a $50 copay and provides 75% off insulation. HES-IE (Income-Eligible) is for qualifying low-income households -- it has no copay ($0), provides 100% off insulation and air sealing, and includes additional appliance replacement assistance. Both include free LED bulbs, smart thermostat, and other instant measures.
HES-IE primarily covers weatherization measures like insulation, air sealing, and appliance replacement. Heat pump rebates are a separate Energize CT program ($250/ton standard or $1,000/ton Energy Optimization). Income-eligible households can combine HES-IE weatherization with heat pump rebates and the 0.99% APR Smart-E Loan for a comprehensive upgrade.
You will need proof of income -- typically your most recent tax return or pay stubs showing household gross income. If you qualify through an alternate program, you need proof of enrollment: LIHEAP award letter, SNAP benefits letter, HUSKY Health card, SSI award letter, Section 8 voucher, or utility discount rate confirmation. Call 877-947-3873 and they will tell you exactly what documentation is needed for your situation.
No. The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit and Section 25D residential solar credit both expired on December 31, 2025. There is no federal tax credit for heat pumps, insulation, or other energy efficiency improvements in 2026. Energize CT programs (state-funded through utility ratepayers) are your primary incentive source.
The typical timeline is 6-12 weeks total. After calling 877-947-3873, income verification takes 1-2 weeks. Scheduling the free assessment typically takes 2-6 weeks (longer in peak seasons). The assessment itself is 4-6 hours. After the assessment, insulation and weatherization work is usually completed within 2-4 weeks. The entire process from first call to completed improvements averages 8-10 weeks.
Free assessments, free insulation, free weatherization -- Energize CT's HES-IE program covers it all for qualifying households. NuWatt can help you navigate the process and coordinate heat pump installations with your weatherization improvements.
Or call Energize CT directly: 877-947-3873
Free assessment. Income verification is confidential. Serving all of Connecticut.