Rhode Island Energy Home Visits

If you rent a single-family home or rent in a building with four or fewer apartments, you can request a no-cost Home Energy Assessment through Rhode Island Energy. All you need is your electric or gas account number and permission from your landlord to request this home visit. If you live in a multi-unit building, they will need access to all units.  

During the visit, typically lasting about an hour, an energy specialist will walk through your home and identify ways to save energy. At the end of their visit, you’ll receive free energy-savings devices such as low-flow shower heads and programmable thermostats designed to reduce your utility bills. The contractor will also share information for your landlord about larger improvements such as insulation for your attic. For renters living in 1–4-unit homes, your landlords may be eligible to receive up to $10k per unit to cover the cost of weatherization work. For 5+ units, landlords can receive an average 70% discount on weatherization work. Note that insulation usually costs less than $10k – so this will likely be at no cost to your landlord! 

After your Home Energy Assessment, the energy specialist will ask for your landlord’s contact information, so they can follow up with recommendations for insulation and other energy-saving building improvements. Landlords must sign a contract before any weatherization work can begin. If your building has more than four units, your landlord can still access energy efficiency upgrades. Rhode Island Energy’s Multifamily Properties program shows how property owners or managers can access energy efficiency services.

Shopping for Portable Appliances

Some renters have opportunities to buy portable appliances such as clothes washers and room air conditioners. To save money on your operating costs, we always recommend buying EnergyStar-rated appliances. EnergyStar now has a “Most Efficient” rating tier. Click here for more information. Another useful tool for comparing appliances is the yellow EnergyGuide labels. 

The EnergyStar program has existed for 3 decades, saving taxpayers about 16 billion dollars a year while costing only 32 million. Although the current federal administration has proposed ending the EnergyStar program, choosing more efficient appliances will continue to save you money.  

Clothes dryers: EnergyStar clothes driers use 20% less energy than a standard model. Rhode Island Energy offers a $50 rebate. You can compare EnergyStar models online.  

Air cleaners: EnergyStar-certified room air cleaners use 27% less energy than a standard model. Rhode Island Energy offers a $40 rebate. You can compare models online.  

Air conditioners: EnergyStar-certified room air conditioners use 10% less energy than a standard model. Rhode Island Energy offers a $40 rebate. You can compare models online. Learn how to choose the correct size room air conditioner and compare models here.

Dehumidifiers: EnergyStar-certified dehumidifiers use 15% less energy than standard models. Rhode Island Energy offers a $30 rebate. You can compare models online.

Check this Incentive Calculator to see if you are eligible for even more portable appliance rebates. 

Rebates for Home Electrification & Appliances 

The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) Program supports the adoption of EnergyStar-certified heat pump clothes dryers, electric stoves, ranges, ovens, or induction cooktops, electric wiring, and electric load service centers for Rhode Island residents. The rebates for electrical cooking appliances are available only for switching from non-electric to electric models, not for upgrading existing electric appliances. 

Eligibility: Rebates are reserved and/or awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is open to income-eligible and moderate-income residents of single-family homes, multi-family homes, and renters. 

Rebate Amounts:

Electric Load Service Center: 

• Maximum low-income rebate: $4,000
• Maximum moderate-income rebate: $2,000 

Electrical Wiring:

• Maximum low-income rebate: $2,500 

• Maximum moderate-income rebate: $1,250 
  

Energy Star Certified Heat Pump Clothes Dryer:

• Maximum low-income rebate: $840 
• Maximum moderate-income rebate: $420

Energy Star Certified Electric Stove, Induction Cooktop, Range, or Oven:

• Maximum low-income rebate: $840 
• Maximum moderate-income rebate: $420 

Check out this flier to learn more.

Talking with Your Landlord

Landlords in Rhode Island may be eligible for up to $10,000 per unit to cover the cost of weatherization improvements. For properties where tenants meet income-eligibility requirements, weatherization work is covered at no cost with no cap on funding. During your home energy assessment, ask if your refrigerator, water heater, or heating and cooling equipment are nearing replacement age.  If so, refer your landlord to Rhode Island Energy to find out whether they could purchase more efficient replacements for less money. Learn more here.