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The residential incentive application can be completed by the equipment owner or the installer. Please review the application instructions for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the application. For assistance completing the commercial incentive application, please click here. For assistance completing the income-eligible application, please click here.
High efficiency heat pumps and hot water heaters installed on or after September 1, 2023, by a participating installer may be eligible for incentives through Clean Heat Rhode Island. To view the incentive amounts and eligibility requirements for residential and commercial projects please visit the Incentives page.
If you are considering installing a heat pump for your residence or business, we recommend you begin the process by scheduling a consultation with a heat pump specialist. This no-cost consultation will help you understand how heat pumps work and give you guidance on the best solution for your home or business. Please see below for links to sign up for a consultation:
Residential Heat Pump Consultation
Residential Income-Eligible Consultation
Commercial Heat Pump Consultation
Please see our About page. Clean Heat Rhode Island is a heat pump program offering financial incentives to assist homeowners, small to midsize business and nonprofits owners with the purchase and installation of high-efficiency electric heat pumps, with an emphasis on environmental justice communities, women and minority-owned businesses and non-profit organizations.
Clean Heat Rhode Island aims to help Rhode Islanders adopt heat pump technology to heat and cool their homes and businesses more efficiently and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Clean Heat Rhode Island customers will work with pre-approved heat pump installers who meet program requirements and are familiar with program guidelines.
Clean Heat Rhode Island will launch on Friday September 1, 2023. Applications for projects with an installation date of September 1st or after will be accepted. The program application portal will become live on Tuesday September 5th.
Please refer to the appropriate page below to see an overview of the process:
The Rhode Island General Assembly has approved the use of $25 million dollars—as part of funds allocated to the State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)—to operate a High-Efficiency Heat Pump Program, now called Clean Heat Rhode Island. ARPA requires that all funds be committed by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026.
Clean Heat Rhode Island is part of Rhode Island’s Act on Climate, which mandates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, as compared to 1990 levels. As shown in the Heating Sector Transformation (HST) Report, a third of Rhode Island’s emissions come from the thermal sector, and the most significant contributor to thermal sector emissions is residential and commercial space heating. The HST Report explores pathways to decarbonize this sector and suggests pursuing a mix of decarbonization options to achieve net zero emissions.
As a first step, strategic electrification—converting fossil fuel heating systems to highly efficient electric heating and cooling technologies—is a cost-effective way to help motivate the transition to emissions-free heating and cooling in Rhode Island. Implementing a high-efficiency heat pump program, like Clean Heat Rhode Island, provides financial incentives to encourage the adoption of heat pump technology, prepares the labor force for the transition to clean heating technology, and provides sustainable employment opportunities for the coming decades.
Clean Heat Rhode Island will kick off on September 1, 2023 and run until October 31, 2026, or funds are depleted.
Income-eligible residential customers will receive financial incentives of 100% of cost including electrical service upgrades. Customers may be income-qualified through the application process or through the following income-eligible programs: SNAP, LIHEAP or Rhode Island Energy Discount Rate.
Homeowners may schedule 45 minute consultations with the program’s Heat Pump Specialist to learn about heat pump technology, how the program works, and to discuss considerations that may be unique to their home.
Customers may submit quotes through Clean Heat Rhode Island’s website. Customers should receive a report comparing up to three quotes within 3-5 business days. Reports will include an estimated comparison of equipment efficiency, heating and cooling costs and GHG emissions.
Financial incentives are available to Rhode Island utility customers including Block Island Power Company, Pascoag Utility District and Rhode Island Energy. For additional eligibility requirements, please visit the Incentives page.
Yes, new construction homes, renovations or additions totaling ≥400 sq. ft. of new conditioned space qualify for Clean Heat Rhode Island financial incentives. Please visit the Incentives page to learn more about new construction eligibility.
No, Clean Heat Rhode Island does not require the existing HVAC system to be removed. You may keep your existing equipment in place but you will be required to sign an attestation stating that the heat pump will be used for primary heating in the zone(s) it will heat and cool. This means that you can use your old equipment for back-up if needed.
You may be eligible for incentives other than the incentives offered through this program. Please click here to learn about additional incentives.
- Energy efficiency – Heat pumps are up to three times more efficient than most fossil fuel heating systems and one of the most cost-effective heating and cooling methods on the market. Visit OER’s Heat Pump Resource Guide for more information about heat pumps.
- Energy savings – Heat pumps are very efficient, so they can help customers save money on heating and cooling costs. Depending on the type of heat pump installed, prior heating system and climate, customers can reduce electricity used by up to 50% compared to electric baseboards.
- Comfort – Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, so customers stay comfortable year round. They also dehumidify the air, which can help to reduce mold and mildew growth.
- Environmental benefits – Heat pumps are a more environmentally friendly option than conventional heating and cooling systems. They produce fewer emissions, so they can help to reduce air pollution.
- Improved indoor air quality – Heat pumps can help to improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants and allergens from the air.
Increased home value. A heat pump can increase the value of a customer’s home by up to 7%.
- Clean Heat Rhode Island provides financial incentives to help homeowners and businesses transition to clean, efficient technology to cool and heat their home or business. To learn about specific financial incentives, read more here.
- Customers will be able to choose from a list of participating installers who are familiar with program guidelines and meet Clean Heat Rhode Island’s licensing and business requirements.
- A Clean Heat Rhode Island Heat Pump Specialist is available to customers for guidance at any stage of the heat pump adoption process.
- Clean Heat Rhode Island provides quality assurance to ensure that heat pump installations meet industry best practices.
- Cold climate air source heat pumps are designed to handle the winter weather conditions that Rhode Island experiences. Many cold climate heat pumps are rated to continuously operate down to -15℉ or more and can maintain their heating capabilities 100% to 5℉. These cold climate systems can be used as your primary heating system and can completely displace fossil fuels. It is important to ensure that your home is fully weatherized when planning to completely displace your fossil fuel heating system. We encourage homeowners to sign up for a home energy assessment to learn more about insulation and air sealing opportunities in your home.
- Ground source (geothermal) heat pumps are not affected by the outdoor weather as they gather heat from the ground.
For media-related questions and inquiries, please contact Robert Beadle, Chief Public Affairs Officer, Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources.
The size, or capacity, of a heat pump is expressed in either tons or British Thermal Units (BTU). One ton of capacity is equivalent to 12,000 BTUs per hour. For Clean Heat Rhode Island incentives, tons are calculated based on cooling capacity. On average, heat pump installations are 2.5-3.5 tons which would equate to a $2,500-$3,500 incentive.
