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Complete Homeowner's Reference
Efficiency Maine Trust is an independent state agency serving ALL Maine residents -- CMP and Versant customers alike. This guide covers every program available in 2026, from heat pump rebates and insulation to financing and income-eligible benefits.
Updated February 2026
Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT) is not a utility company. It is an independent quasi-governmental state agency created by the Maine Legislature under Title 35-A, Chapter 97. EMT serves all Maine residents regardless of whether they get their electricity from CMP or Versant Power.
Unlike Mass Save (which is utility-administered) or Energize CT (which is managed by CLEAResult), Efficiency Maine Trust is self-administered from its office in Augusta. This means one consistent set of programs, rebate amounts, and eligibility rules applies statewide -- no utility-specific variations.
Funding comes from a system benefits charge on every Maine electric and gas bill, supplemented by federal funding. This means every Maine ratepayer is already contributing to EMT -- if you pay a Maine electric bill, you are eligible for Efficiency Maine programs.
Maine has the highest oil heating dependency in the United States -- over 60% of homes heat with oil at current prices of $3.82/gallon. This makes Maine households exceptionally vulnerable to fuel price spikes and supply disruptions. Efficiency Maine programs are specifically designed to help homeowners reduce oil dependency through insulation, heat pumps, and electrification.
Every program available to Maine homeowners in 2026. Click any card for the full deep-dive guide with eligibility details, cost breakdowns, and step-by-step instructions.
Home Energy Savings Program assessment: blower door test, thermal imaging, and recommendations for insulation and equipment upgrades.
Attic, wall, basement, and air sealing. 80% off for all residents. Up to $8,000 for income-eligible households.
PACE loans in participating municipalities, limited on-bill financing, and MaineHousing energy loans for income-qualified households.
Enhanced rebate caps for low- and moderate-income households. Up to $3,000/unit heat pump rebates and $8,000 insulation.
Heat pump water heaters use 60-70% less electricity. Highest rebate in New England -- reflects Maine's oil dependency.
Air-source heat pump rebates from $1,000 to $3,000 per unit based on income tier. Max 3 units per household.
Efficiency Maine offers enhanced rebates for low- and moderate-income households. The same programs -- just higher caps and more generous support.
No income restrictions
Below 80% Area Median Income
80% AMI varies by county. These are approximate statewide averages. Also eligible if enrolled in LIHEAP, HEAP, or MaineHousing programs.
Maine has $71.7 million allocated for HEAR, but it is only available for mobile/manufactured homes and affordable multifamily new construction. Standard single-family homeowners are NOT eligible for HEAR in Maine. Do not count on HEAR when planning your project unless you live in a mobile/manufactured home.
Key distinction: Efficiency Maine Trust rebates are direct state rebates funded by ratepayers, not federal tax credits. They are unaffected by the federal expiration and remain fully available in 2026.
Both utilities participate in all Efficiency Maine programs. Same rebates, same eligibility. The key difference is electric rates -- which affects heat pump operating costs.
Southern and central Maine — Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, Brunswick. Serves approximately 70% of Maine electric customers.
Northern and eastern Maine — Bangor, Presque Isle, Caribou, Calais. Serves approximately 30% of Maine electric customers. Higher rates reflect smaller service territory and rural delivery costs.
Efficiency Maine Trust (EMT) is an independent quasi-governmental state agency created by the Maine Legislature (Title 35-A, Chapter 97). It is NOT a utility -- it serves all Maine residents regardless of whether they are CMP or Versant Power customers. EMT is self-administered from Augusta and funded through a system benefits charge on electric and gas bills plus federal funding. Current Executive Director is Michael Stoddard.
Efficiency Maine offers $1,000 per heat pump unit for standard-income households (max 3 units = $3,000 total), $2,000 per unit for moderate-income households (80-150% AMI, max $6,000), and $3,000 per unit for low-income households (below 80% AMI, max $9,000). These are direct rebates -- not tax credits.
No. The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and provides $0 in 2026. The Section 25D residential solar ITC also expired. Efficiency Maine Trust rebates are state-funded direct rebates and are completely unaffected by the federal expiration.
Yes. Efficiency Maine Trust serves ALL Maine residents regardless of electric utility provider. CMP customers (about 70% of Maine) and Versant Power customers (about 30%) have identical access to all EMT programs -- same rebate amounts, same eligibility requirements. EMT is not a utility; it is a statewide agency.
Efficiency Maine offers an $850 rebate for qualifying heat pump water heaters with a UEF of 2.0 or higher. This is the highest HPWH rebate in New England -- higher than Massachusetts ($750) and Connecticut ($750). The rebate reflects Maine's high heating costs and priority to move homes off oil and electric resistance water heating.
HEAR (Home Efficiency Rebates) is a federal program with $71.7 million allocated for Maine. It is PARTIALLY ACTIVE -- only available for mobile/manufactured homes and affordable multifamily new construction. Standard single-family homeowners are NOT eligible for HEAR in Maine. Single-family homeowners should rely on existing Efficiency Maine Trust rebates.
Efficiency Maine offers competitive heat pump rebates ($1,000-$3,000/unit vs MA's $1,250-$10,000) and a higher HPWH rebate ($850 vs $750). However, EMT lags in two areas: (1) no statewide zero-interest loan (MA has 0% HEAT Loan, CT has 0.99% Smart-E), and (2) fewer free installations during assessments. Insulation rebates are strong at 80% off (vs MA's 75% and CT's 75%).
Yes, but Maine does NOT have a statewide zero-interest loan like Massachusetts or Connecticut. Options include: PACE loans (5-7% APR, up to $50K, in participating municipalities), limited on-bill financing (0% APR up to $4,000 for 24 months when available), and MaineHousing energy loans (4-6% APR, up to $15K, income-qualified).
NuWatt Energy provides this guide as an educational resource to help Maine homeowners understand and navigate Efficiency Maine Trust programs. All program details, rebate amounts, and eligibility requirements are sourced from efficiencymaine.com, MaineHousing, and the Maine PUC. We recommend verifying current availability by calling EMT directly at 866-376-2463.
Dive deeper into specific topics with our comprehensive Maine energy guides.
Total cost breakdown by system type after EMT rebates.
Performance at -1F to -18F design temps. Zone 5-6 coverage.
60%+ of ME homes heat with oil. Full conversion guide.
$2.91-$3.19/W installed. NEB net metering and tax exemptions.
$0.27 vs $0.32/kWh -- how it affects heat pump ROI.
Combine solar with heat pumps for maximum savings in Maine.
Schedule your HESP assessment and unlock 80% off insulation, $1,000-$3,000 heat pump rebates, and $850 HPWH rebates. Income-eligible? Assessment may be free through MaineHousing.
Find a contractor at efficiencymaine.com or call 866-376-2463