Loading NuWatt Energy...
We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
Loading NuWatt Energy...
Extra $200-$1,400 on Top of Standard Rebates
PECO's Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides additional rebates on top of standard Smart Ideas rebates for income-eligible households. This stacking benefit is unique to PECO -- PPL and Duquesne Light do not offer an equivalent.
Updated February 2026
PECO's EAP provides ADDITIONAL rebates on top of standard Smart Ideas rebates for income-eligible households. This stacking benefit is unique to PECO — PPL and Duquesne Light do not offer equivalent programs. EAP tiers are based on Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The key word is additional. EAP does not replace the standard PECO Smart Ideas rebate -- it adds to it. A PECO customer installing a ducted heat pump gets the standard $500 rebate. If that customer also qualifies for EAP Tier 1, they receive an additional $1,400, for a total of $1,900.
This makes PECO the clear leader among PA utilities for income-eligible households. PPL Electric and Duquesne Light have no equivalent program. For low-income PECO customers, the combined standard + EAP rebate can cover a significant portion of heat pump installation costs.
EAP bonus is IN ADDITION to standard PECO Smart Ideas rebates. Example: $500 standard HP rebate + $1,400 EAP Tier 1 = $1,900 total.
EAP benefits are tiered by Federal Poverty Level (FPL) percentage. Lower income = higher additional rebate.
Additional rebate on top of standard
Maximum EAP benefit — $1,400 additional on top of standard rebates. Available to households at or below 50% of Federal Poverty Level.
Additional rebate on top of standard
$600 additional on top of standard rebates. Covers many working families and fixed-income seniors.
Additional rebate on top of standard
$200 additional on top of standard rebates. Upper threshold of EAP eligibility.
Use this table to determine your EAP tier based on household size and gross annual income.
| Household | Tier 10-50% FPL (+$1,400) | Tier 251-150% FPL (+$600) | Tier 3151-200% FPL (+$200) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Under $7,530 | $7,530-$22,590 | $22,590-$30,120 |
| 2 people | Under $10,220 | $10,220-$30,660 | $30,660-$40,880 |
| 3 people | Under $12,910 | $12,910-$38,730 | $38,730-$51,640 |
| 4 people | Under $15,600 | $15,600-$46,800 | $46,800-$62,400 |
| 5 people | Under $18,290 | $18,290-$54,870 | $54,870-$73,160 |
| 6 people | Under $20,980 | $20,980-$62,940 | $62,940-$83,920 |
Based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. Gross annual household income. LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI enrollment may automatically qualify you for Tier 1 or Tier 2.
See how standard Smart Ideas rebates combine with EAP bonuses for different equipment and income tiers.
Household at 0-50% FPL installing a ducted heat pump
Household at 51-150% FPL installing a ductless unit
Household at 151-200% FPL installing a heat pump water heater
Maximum stacking — full system upgrade for lowest-income household
Use the income thresholds table above. FPL is based on household size and gross annual income.
Most recent tax return, pay stubs, or proof of enrollment in LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
Call 800-494-4000 and ask about the Energy Assistance Program. Mention you want to stack EAP with Smart Ideas rebates.
Submit both applications — the standard Smart Ideas rebate and the EAP additional benefit. PECO staff can help combine them.
Both the standard rebate and EAP bonus are processed together, typically within 6-10 weeks.
PECO EAP (Energy Assistance Program) stacking is a benefit unique to PECO that provides ADDITIONAL rebates on top of standard Smart Ideas rebates for income-eligible households. For example, a standard $500 ducted heat pump rebate can become $1,900 total with Tier 1 EAP stacking ($500 standard + $1,400 EAP bonus). PPL and Duquesne Light do not offer this benefit.
Tier 1 (0-50% FPL) receives $1,400 additional. Tier 2 (51-150% FPL) receives $600 additional. Tier 3 (151-200% FPL) receives $200 additional. For a family of 4, the 2026 Federal Poverty Level thresholds are: Tier 1 under $15,600, Tier 2 under $46,800, and Tier 3 under $62,400 annual household income.
No. The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) stacking benefit is exclusive to PECO. If you are a PPL Electric or Duquesne Light customer, you cannot access EAP additional rebates. However, all PA customers can qualify for statewide LIHEAP and WAP income-eligible programs regardless of utility.
No. EAP is IN ADDITION TO the standard PECO Smart Ideas rebate. You receive both: the standard rebate ($500 for ducted HP, $300 for ductless, $200 for HPWH, etc.) PLUS the EAP bonus ($200-$1,400 depending on your tier). They are processed together.
You need income documentation: most recent tax return, pay stubs, or proof of enrollment in qualifying programs (LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI). Self-certification is not sufficient. If you are already enrolled in LIHEAP, that automatically qualifies you for EAP Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Yes. EAP funds are allocated per program year and can run out before the program year ends. It is recommended to apply early. Contact PECO at 800-494-4000 to check current fund availability before scheduling installation.
The maximum is a ducted heat pump ($500) + HPWH ($200) + Tier 1 EAP bonus ($1,400) = $2,100 total. This is for a PECO customer at 0-50% FPL who installs both a ducted heat pump and a heat pump water heater. Add a smart thermostat ($50) for $2,150.
NuWatt Energy provides this EAP stacking guide as an educational resource. All tier amounts, income thresholds, and program details are sourced from PECO and the PA PUC. EAP funds are limited -- verify current availability by contacting PECO directly at 800-494-4000.
Full PECO Smart Ideas guide with all rebate details.
Overview of all PA utility efficiency programs.
LIHEAP, WAP, and EAP for low-income PA households.
Total cost breakdown after rebates by system type.
$250-$400/unit for eastern and central PA.
$200-$350/unit for the greater Pittsburgh area.
Contact PECO to check your EAP eligibility and current fund availability, or reach out to NuWatt Energy for installation guidance.