Whether you are building a new home or remodeling an existing home, the following rebate and incentive programs for residential homeowners and/or homebuilders can save you money:
- ENERGY STAR Homes: Learn what it takes to build a high efficiency home and what types of cost savings are available to you.
- NH Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: Non income-based home weatherization program that helps you pay for energy efficiency improvements.
- Home Energy Assistance: An income-based home weatherization program that helps you manage your energy use and reduce your electric bill.
ENERGY STAR Homes Program
An ENERGY STAR rated home is substantially more energy efficient than a standard home.
Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ENERGY STAR Homes Program is a nationwide effort to make new homes more energy efficient. As a New Hampshire sponsor of the ENERGY STAR Homes Program, PSNH can show you how to build and certify your new home to ENERGY STAR specifications and earn financial incentives.
How the ENERGY STAR Homes program works
A Nationally Certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater provides design assistance, efficiency recommendations, testing, and certification for your home to help ensure that it meets the required program guidelines.
PSNH offers two “tracks” of the ENERGY STAR Homes Program:
- Traditional track - Available for builders/homeowners opting to use a conventional fossil-fuel based heating system (e.g., oil, liquid propane, or natural gas forced air or hot water boiler systems). PSNH pays for the HERS Rater services (a $750+ value) and offers additional incentives based on the overall energy performance of the house. Homes participating through our Traditional (non-geothermal) program are at least 20% more efficient than homes built to conventional building codes.
- Geothermal track - Because the benefits of geothermal energy sources are believed to make such an impact, PSNH offers higher incentives for the installation of geothermal heat pumps in new home construction. Geothermal heat pumps differ from outside air heat pumps in that they take advantage of the relatively stable earth temperature, making them ideal for heating and cooling New England homes. The homeowner or builder pays for the HERS Rater services, however, incentives up to $4,500 are available. Homes participating through the Geothermal Program are at least 35% more energy efficient than homes built to conventional building codes. You might also qualify for deeper discounts with our HEATSMART Program.
Click here for an ENERGY STAR Homes Enrollment Form.
NH Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
Qualified PSNH customers can receive a comprehensive “whole house” energy assessment and may receive incentives for making energy efficiency improvements.
How does the NH Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program work?
A certified energy auditor will conduct a comprehensive “whole house” assessment of your home. The assessment is an energy and safety evaluation of the home that includes a visual inspection of lighting and appliances as well as performance testing of the ventilation and mechanical systems, building tightness, and insulation levels. Following the assessment the auditor produces a report outlining recommended energy efficiency improvements.
There is a $100 audit fee (a $450 value) payable at the time of scheduling the audit. Audit fees may be refunded to customers who implement at least one recommended energy-efficiency improvement equivalent to the value of the audit.
Eligible improvements
Based on recommendations made by your auditor you may be eligible for a 50% incentive-- up to $4,000 --to help you pay for the energy efficiency improvements, which could include:
- Adding additional insulation to your attic, basement and walls
- Sealing and insulating ductwork
- Reducing air leaks and drafts by air sealing around windows, doors, plumbing and electrical penetrations
- Upgrading lighting by installing compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs or fixtures
- Installing water saving devices such as faucet aerators and low flow showerheads
- Insulating domestic hot water pipes and tanks
Following a review of your auditor’s recommendations, you can choose to contract directly with your auditor to install the improvements. Improvements must be installed by the program auditor to qualify for incentives. PSNH conducts random inspections of contractor work to help insure quality installations.
Apply for the program
- Customers whose homes meet the qualifying Home Heating Index (HHI) energy use rating are eligible to participate in the program. See the eligibility requirement to obtain a rating of your home. Note: You will need one year of fuel bill history and the square footage of your home to determine your eligibility and to submit an application.
- Customers applying by phone (1-800-662-7764) will be screened for their HHI. Qualified customers will be mailed a copy of their HHI score along with an application that must be completed and returned to PSNH.
- Customers accepted into the program will be required to submit two years of fuel bills and their home's square footage with their application.
- This program is available to customers owning or renting an existing home, or owning or renting in an existing 1-4 unit apartment building in the PSNH service territory.
Note: Program details and incentives are subject to change without prior notice.
(*) National Grid natural gas customers should call 1-800-860-0815 to inquire about their weatherization program services.
Home Energy Assistance
Under this program, PSNH can help you with your home's energy efficiency through home improvements such as insulation, air sealing, thermostat replacement, hot water conservation measures, and cost-effective appliance and lighting upgrades.
How the program works
Available to income-eligible PSNH customers and is designed to help you manage your energy use and reduce your electric bill.
How to qualify
To learn if you qualify, contact one of the local Community Action Agencies (CAA) in the state. The CAAs will determine eligibility by total household income and the number of members in your household. You might also qualify for the Electric Assistance Program (EAP).
Find out about other federal and state tax incentives for homes and renovations.
Shop for energy saving products.