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Income-eligible Rhode Island households can get 100% of their heat pump project covered — up to $18,000. Standard households get 60% up to $11,500. Triple stacking with HEAR can make heat pumps completely free for low-income families.
Income-Eligible
100% covered
Up to $18,000 for households ≤150% SMI
Standard
60% covered
Up to $11,500 for all other households
ARPA Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Funds must be spent — apply now
If your household income is at or below these thresholds, you qualify for income-eligible Clean Heat RI: 100% of project cost covered, up to $18,000. These are based on 150% of the State Median Income (SMI).
| Household Size | Income Threshold (150% SMI) | Rebate Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1-person household | $124,950 | 100% up to $18,000 |
| 2-person household | $142,800 | 100% up to $18,000 |
| 3-person household | $160,650 | 100% up to $18,000 |
| 4-person household | $178,500 | 100% up to $18,000 |
Households above these thresholds still qualify for the standard tier: 60% of cost up to $11,500. Income is based on gross household income for all members over 18.
60%
of project cost, up to $11,500
100%
of project cost, up to $18,000
Rhode Island was the first state in New England to launch the federal HEAR (Home Efficiency Rebates) program for low-income households on September 17, 2024. HEAR rebates can be stacked on top of Clean Heat RI for even greater savings.
≤80% Area Median Income
Up to $8,000
Launched September 17, 2024. Rhode Island was the first in New England. Funds available until exhausted or 2031.
80-150% Area Median Income
Up to $4,000
Currently under development for Rhode Island. Expected to launch in 2026. Check back for updates on availability.
Rhode Island offers one of the most generous rebate stacking opportunities in the country. Here is what each income tier can expect when combining Clean Heat RI, HEAR, and RI Energy utility rebates.
Clean Heat RI
$18,000
(100% income-eligible)
HEAR
$8,000
(active since Sept 2024)
RI Energy
$1,200
(utility rebate)
Maximum Total Rebates
$27,200
Your Estimated Cost
$0 typical net cost
Most low-income installations are fully covered. Average RI heat pump project costs $15,000-$22,000.
Clean Heat RI
$11,500
(60% standard)
HEAR
$4,000
(under development)
RI Energy
$1,200
(utility rebate)
Maximum Total Rebates
$16,700
Your Estimated Cost
$0 - $5,300 typical net cost
Most moderate-income projects will see minimal out-of-pocket costs once moderate-income HEAR launches.
Clean Heat RI
$11,500
(60% standard)
HEAR
$0
(not eligible)
RI Energy
$1,200
(utility rebate)
Maximum Total Rebates
$12,700
Your Estimated Cost
$2,300 - $9,300 typical net cost
Standard households still save significantly. A $20,000 project costs $7,300 after rebates.
Count all individuals living in your home, including dependents. This determines which SMI threshold applies to your household.
Add up the gross income (before taxes) for all household members over 18. Include wages, self-employment, Social Security, pensions, alimony, and other regular income.
Check the table above. If your total household income is at or below the threshold for your household size, you qualify for 100% coverage up to $18,000.
Collect the following: most recent federal tax return, 3 months of pay stubs, Social Security benefit statement, pension/retirement statements, and any other income documentation for all adult household members.
Your Clean Heat RI participating installer can help submit the income verification. Alternatively, contact your local Community Action Program agency for free assistance with the process.
The income-eligible tier covers significantly more than just the heat pump itself. At 100% coverage up to $18,000, it is designed to eliminate all barriers to electrification for lower-income Rhode Island households.
Full cost of ENERGY STAR 6.1 Cold Climate heat pump equipment, including indoor and outdoor units.
Complete labor costs for installation by a Clean Heat RI participating contractor.
If your panel needs to be upgraded to support the heat pump (common in older RI homes), it is covered.
Insulation, air sealing, and other weatherization identified in the Home Energy Assessment.
Income-eligible households can include a heat pump water heater in the project scope.
Municipal permit fees and required inspection costs are included in the covered project cost.
Clean Heat RI is funded by ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars. Federal law requires these funds to be fully spent by December 31, 2026. Any unspent money is returned to the federal government — it does not roll over.
What this means for you:
Apply now. Do not wait until the second half of 2026.
Rhode Island's Community Action Program (CAP) agencies provide free assistance to income-eligible households. They can help you navigate the application process, gather documentation, and access all available programs.
Serving: Coventry, Cranston, Warwick, West Warwick
Serving: Northern Rhode Island (Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Cumberland)
Serving: Southern Rhode Island (South Kingstown, Westerly, Narragansett)
Serving: East Bay (Newport, Bristol, Warren, Barrington)
Serving: Providence
Use our calculator to see exactly how much you can save by stacking Clean Heat RI, HEAR, and RI Energy utility rebates based on your income level and project scope.
Get Your Personalized EstimateIncome-eligible status is based on the State Median Income (SMI) at 150%. For a 4-person household, the threshold is $178,500. A 1-person household threshold is $124,950, 2-person is $142,800, and 3-person is $160,650. If your household income is at or below these thresholds, you qualify for 100% coverage up to $18,000.
Standard households receive 60% of project cost up to $11,500. Income-eligible households (≤150% SMI) receive 100% of project cost up to $18,000. Income-eligible coverage also includes electrical panel upgrades, weatherization work, and heat pump water heaters — services not always covered under the standard tier.
Yes. HEAR (Home Efficiency Rebates) can be stacked with Clean Heat RI. Low-income households (≤80% AMI) can receive up to $8,000 in HEAR rebates on top of Clean Heat RI. Rhode Island was the first state in New England to launch HEAR for low-income households on September 17, 2024. Moderate-income HEAR ($4,000) is still under development.
You will need to provide proof of household income. Accepted documentation typically includes: federal tax returns (most recent year), pay stubs (last 3 months), Social Security benefit statements, pension/retirement income statements, and documentation of any other household income. All household members over 18 must provide income documentation.
Yes. Households above the 150% SMI threshold still qualify for the standard Clean Heat RI tier: 60% of project cost up to $11,500. This is still a substantial rebate. You can also stack the RI Energy utility rebate (up to $1,200) on top.
Income-eligible Clean Heat RI coverage (100% up to $18,000) can include: the heat pump system itself, electrical panel upgrades (if needed for installation), weatherization work identified in the Home Energy Assessment, and heat pump water heaters. The standard tier primarily covers the heat pump equipment and installation.
ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds backing Clean Heat RI must be spent by December 31, 2026. This is a hard federal deadline — unspent funds are returned to the federal government. Do not wait until late 2026, as the application pipeline will be backed up. Apply early in 2026 for the best chance of approval before funds run out.
No. The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired on December 31, 2025. It is not available for heat pump purchases in 2026. However, Clean Heat RI and HEAR rebates are direct rebates (not tax credits) and are still fully available. These programs can cover the full cost for income-eligible households.
HEAR (Home Efficiency Rebates) is a separate federal program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. It provides additional rebates that can be stacked on top of state programs like Clean Heat RI. For low-income households (≤80% AMI), HEAR provides up to $8,000 for heat pumps. RI launched HEAR for low-income households on September 17, 2024 — the first in New England.
Yes. Rhode Island's Community Action Program agencies help income-eligible households navigate the application process, gather documentation, and access all available programs. They serve as a one-stop resource for low-income energy assistance. Contact the agency serving your area for free help.
Income eligibility is determined at the time of application based on your most recent documentation. If your income increases after approval but before installation, you typically remain eligible under the terms of your approved application. However, always disclose accurate information — misrepresenting income can result in having to repay rebates.
Clean Heat RI is primarily designed for homeowners, as the heat pump is permanently installed in the property. Renters should discuss with their landlord, as the property owner would need to apply. Some landlord-tenant arrangements may work, particularly for income-eligible households in rental properties.
10-point checklist, red flags, and 16 questions to ask before hiring.
Complete guide to every available RI heat pump rebate and incentive.
What RI homeowners actually pay for heat pumps after all rebates.
Why ENERGY STAR 6.1 Cold Climate certification matters for RI winters.
NuWatt Energy is a Clean Heat RI participating installer. We help Rhode Island homeowners determine income eligibility, stack all available rebates, and handle every piece of paperwork. ARPA funds expire December 31, 2026.