Day in the Life

Continuing Education - Efficiency Maine Rebates

I recently attended a continuing education class for real estate agents that was offered by Efficiency Maine. The program’s agenda was to showcase the benefits of investing in energy efficiency, identifying opportunities for energy efficient upgrades, and most importantly to me, how I, as a real estate professional, could add value for my client relationships by sharing this information and being their expert on Efficiency Maine rebates. 

For those unfamiliar with Efficiency Maine, they run the State’s energy efficiency programs and are funded by electric and natural gas ratepayers, Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, grants, and other sources. Efficiency Maine provides rebates, financing, and a registry of independent installers needed for some of the upgrades. 

Some current rebates include: 

• Heat pump water heaters 

• Heat pumps 

• Insulation 

• Electric vehicles 

• Appliances (like Energy Star clothes washer or room air purifier) 

How to get a rebate: 

1. Hire a registered vendor (from independent installers directory) for heat pumps, insulation and pellet boilers/furnaces 

2. Install high efficiency rated upgrades 

3. Submit claim form (either homeowner or installer) within 6 months of service 

4. Receive your check in mail 

Energy efficiency for my clients means lower energy costs and increasing year-round comfort as well as the value of their home. You can improve your home with some energy efficient upgrades and get up to thousands of dollars in rebates to help make those upgrades more affordable. Anyone is eligible for these rebates, but the range of available rebate amounts varies with your income. Also rebates are only given on high efficiency rated products as the higher the energy efficiency, the higher the rebate. 

To be considered for low income eligibility rebates specifically for heat pumps, you must participate in at least one of these programs: 

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance 

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for cash assistance 

• MaineCare for medical assistance coverage 

• Tax assessed value of land/building must below a specific amount (For Example: Cumberland County $130,000, Androscoggin County $100,000) 

Eligibility to be considered for low income insulation rebates is the same as above without the tax assessed value criteria. However, moderate income level rebates have the same tax assessed value criteria and an adjusted gross income of $70,000 (single filer) or $100,000 (joint filer). Insulation rebates are restricted to existing homes and not new construction. 

Income eligibility for electric vehicles is the same criteria as for insulation rebates for both low income and moderate income with no tax assessed value of property as criteria. 

In addition to rebates, instant discounts can be found on products at your local retail establishments. For discounted merchandise, look for blue Efficiency Maine price tags with QR codes. Simply scan the QR code and fill in your information. You will then receive a barcode via email on your phone. To redeem, show the barcode at the cash register for an instant discount as advertised. 

Efficiency Maine also offers home energy loans for rebate-eligible upgrades. Income-eligible and Maine resident homeowners can borrow up to $7,500 at 5.99% APR with no closing or prepayment fees. Complete online form to verify eligibility. These loans can be used for installation of energy efficient upgrades as well as funding any work needed to prepare for any installation of upgrades. For example, paying for mold remediation before installation of rebate-eligible insulation. 

I am excited to share all of this information with my clients (past and future) and have already ordered complementary Efficiency Maine brochures to provide them and include as a part of my welcome-to-your-new-home packet. I will be there, as a resource, discussing the benefits of energy efficient homes and to help them identify the opportunities to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes.