NEWS

How to Reduce Your Connecticut Energy Bills & Build Energy Resilience

Electricity bills are rising, but there are concrete steps you can take to lower your costs and make your home more energy resilient. Our companion article explains the key factors behind Connecticut’s high electricity prices if you’d like to learn more. Below, we highlight key programs, rebates, and incentives you can tap into right now.

Connecticut Energy Resources — Key Deadlines & Opportunities

Home Energy Solutions (HES) Audits
As available through HeatSmart Westport, HES audits are a professional home energy audit that identifies savings opportunities and can include on-the-spot efficiency upgrades.

  • Ongoing: HES Income-Eligible (HES IE) remains free for low-income households. HES visits are state programs, so the upfront rebates are strong, however many energy upgrades will lose the 30% federal tax credit at the end of 2025.
  • Programs available through United Illuminating and Eversource.

Residential & Commercial Solar Credits
Federal tax incentives to make residential and commercial solar installations more affordable.

Home Battery Storage Incentives
Rebates and tax incentives to install battery systems that store solar energy and provide backup power.

  • Through December 31, 2025: The 30% federal tax credit for storage is in effect.
  • State rebates available now: Rebates for residential storage continue through Energy Storage Solutions, Eversource, and United Illuminating. Additional incentives are available for customers who allow utilities to draw from batteries during peak periods.

Electric Vehicle & Charger Incentives
Rebates and incentives for EV purchases, EV chargers, and charging during off-peak hours.

    • Federal EV purchase rebates: End on September 30, 2025.
    • CT State EV Rebates (CHEAPR): Offers incentives to Connecticut residents who purchase or lease an eligible new or used battery electric (BEV) or plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicle from a licensed Connecticut automobile dealership or original equipment manufacturer. 
      • Effective August 1, 2025, the following incentive level changes are in effect: 
        • BEV Standard Rebate: reduced to $500 from $1,500
        • PHEV Standard Rebate: reduced to $500 from $750
        • FCEV Standard Rebate: reduced to $500 from $1,500
  • Rebate+: Continue for low-income households beyond 2025.
      • Rebate+ New BEV: $500 + $3,000 = $3,500
      • Rebate+ New PHEV: $500 + $1,500 = $2,000
      • Rebate+ New FCEV: $500 + $3,000 – $3,500
      • Rebate+ Used incentives will remain unchanged.
  • EV charger rebates (Eversource & United Illuminating): Available now, but after December 31, 2025, these will be limited to low-income households only.
  • Time-of-Use charging programs: Expected to remain available beyond 2025.
  • For ongoing updates, see the EV Club of CT.

Smart-E Loans (CT Green Bank)
Low-interest financing from CT Green Bank for a wide range of home energy improvements.

  • Available now with no set expiration (EnergizeCT): Covers HVAC, insulation, windows, solar, battery storage, EV chargers, appliances, and roof or tree work for solar.
  • See Rewiring America’s page to double check federal tax credit eligibility.

Efficiency Rebates (EnergizeCT)
Cash rebates to offset the cost of efficiency upgrades for homes, businesses, and multifamily properties.

Energy Assistance Programs (PACE)
Support programs designed to help households reduce bills and manage energy costs.

  • Available now: PACE compiles programs designed to assist households in need, though some offerings may be affected by federal policy changes.
  • New in 2025: I Heart My Home transitioned to HomeEnergy ConneCT.

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE)
Financing that enables commercial property owners to fund clean energy improvements and repay them over time.

Ongoing: CPACE financing remains available, though specific business-focused programs may be reduced or eliminated under new federal legislation.

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