The best Energize CT rebates, incentives, and loans in 2023

With the current rate at nearly $0.30 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), Connecticut has one of the highest electric rates in the country. Thankfully, a program called Energize CT can help you combat the high prices in 2023.

Energize CT offers energy-related assistance, support, and incentives that can potentially save you hundreds of dollars in your monthly energy bills, and thousands of dollars on your electrical purchases.

In this blog, we’ll look at the best ways to take advantage of this program.

What is Energize CT?

Energize CT is a state energy conservation program that offers assistance to Connecticut residents and businesses.

There is a whole range of services you can use to reduce your energy consumption and lower your energy spend. 

With Energize CT, you can:

• Earn big discounts and rebates when you buy electrical items

• Get financing for home upgrades related to energy

• Pay subsidized rates on energy-efficiency advice and services

• Receive incentives for your solar power generation

Some of the benefits available are worth a lot of money – take the rebate on air source heat pumps, which is worth up to $15,000.

Energize CT is a joint initiative by the state government, financial institutions, and utility providers, among them Eversource and United Illuminating (UI).

What Energize CT rebates are available in 2023?

Energize CT offers instant discounts and rebates on an approved list of electrical appliances. 

All of the eligible products are highly energy-efficient, meaning they use less electricity than average. By switching your appliances to newer, energy-efficient models, you can reduce your household energy usage substantially. 

Here are the best rebates offered by Energize CT:

1. Energy-efficient lighting

Discounts are automatically applied to certified lighting products, so this is an easy rebate to take advantage of. Just look for the Energize CT label.

The average homeowner can save $75 every year just by changing their five most commonly used lights to Energy Star models.

2. Air source heat pumps

Energize CT offers instant rebates of up to $15,000 on energy-efficient heat pump models.

A new air-source heat pump, whether ducted or ductless, can reduce your energy use by 25-50% compared to traditional HVAC systems.

Using this rebate is a great way to reduce your energy expenditure – heating and cooling are the single-largest energy expenses for the average U.S. household.

3. Geothermal heat pumps

If you’re interested in using a geothermal energy system instead, you can reduce your upfront costs with a rebate worth up to $15,000. To qualify for this rebate, you’ll first need to submit a  pre-application to your utility company.

4. Rebates for central heating and air conditioning systems

For those who prefer traditional central air units, small rebates are available on certain high-efficiency models. Unfortunately, the value of these rebates is low: you can only get up to $200 back.

5. Water heating units

Need a new water heater for your home? You can get a $750 discount on a new Energy Star-certified heat pump unit. These systems heat your water faster, with less demand for energy resources. 

For larger buildings, rebates are also available on high-efficiency furnaces and boilers that run on natural gas, oil, or propane.

What Energize CT loans are offered in 2023?

Some home energy upgrades, such as heating systems or solar panels, have high upfront costs. Luckily Energize CT offers financing options to help you make your purchase.

Heating Loan Program

The Energize CT Heating Loan Program provides loans to Connecticut residents who want to buy and install eligible heating equipment in their homes.

Loans of up to $15,000 are offered on very easy terms, with a fixed interest rate of just 0.99%. 

If you are in need of a new and more efficient heating system, this is an excellent offer.

Loans for solar panels and other home upgrades (Smart E-Loan)

Smart E-loans are special financing options available for major home improvement projects. 

Solar panels, energy efficiency upgrades, and various heating and cooling systems are among the 40 project types covered.

Smart E-loans are being offered at rates of 4.49% or higher, with no money down. While the financing terms aren’t bad, make sure to compare them against other options; you may get a better deal from something like a HELOC. 

And if it’s specifically solar panels you’re looking to install, then be sure to assess all solar financing options.

What on-site energy services can you use?

Energize CT offers on-site services to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home through the Home Energy Solutions program. 

The services are available to residential customers of Eversource, UI, CNG, and SCG, at a subsidized cost of just $50.

This service is similar to a standard home energy assessment (or home energy audit), where qualified technicians are tasked with recommending energy efficiency improvements. However, Home Energy Solutions goes further, also offering on-site services during the visit.

Here’s what you can expect from a Home Energy Solutions visit:

• A thorough evaluation of your property’s current energy performance

• Basic weatherization services like air sealing and hot water pipe wraps

• Installation of energy-efficient accessories for lighting and plumbing

• Written recommendations for additional changes that will improve your energy efficiency, as well as guidance on which ones qualify for rebates and discounts. 

The services included in the assessment are valued at nearly $1,000 for the average resident. In addition, homeowners typically end up with an annual savings of $200–$250 each year on their electric bills.

In-home services had been paused due to COVID-19, but these have now been resumed. 

You can see information on how to apply here, or by calling Energize CT’s official number 77-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).

Does Energize CT offer solar incentives?

Energize CT currently offers a solar incentive program known as Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (RRES). 

It is designed to encourage homeowners to go solar by guaranteeing a good financial return on their investment. This is achieved through three incentive options: 

• Buy-all Tariff

• Netting Tariff

• Income-based incentives

Incentives apply for a period of 20 years, and projects up to 25 kilowatts (kW) are covered; this is enough for the vast majority of homes. Program specifics can vary based on whether you are an Eversource of UI customer.

The key thing to know is that while the new incentive program isn’t exactly net metering, it is just as generous to homeowners, and helps them achieve a similarly high level of savings from solar.

For a full explanation of how these options work - and which is best - check out our overview of RRES, Connecticut’s net metering program.

Can I save money with solar power in Connecticut?

Absolutely. Solar power in Connecticut is very attractive because of the high electricity costs and the availability of excellent solar incentives through Energize CT and RRES.

This combination of factors means the typical solar payback period here is very short, just 5.3 to 6.4 years. 

You can also use Energize CT’s offers to increase your solar savings. When you improve your home energy efficiency and lower your power usage, you’ll have more solar power available to export to the grid.

You can get an accurate idea of the payback period for a solar panel system for your home, as well as the cost and savings involved, by entering your address into the solar calculator below.

How do I find the best solar company in Connecticut?

There are many excellent solar companies operating in Connecticut – here are the best ones. 

These companies have lots of local installation experience, so they’ll help you identify applicable Energize CT solar rebates and guide you through the application processes.