Efficiency Vermont · $29M allocation · Pending full launch · State rebates active now
Last updated: April 2026
DOE allocation: $29 million (HEAR) + separate HOMES allocation
Administrator: Efficiency Vermont (state efficiency utility)
Situation: Vermont received its HEAR allocation but has faced uncertainty following federal administration changes in 2025 that affected DOE program guidance. As of April 2026, the program has not fully launched for standard residential applications. Efficiency Vermont is prepared to administer when federal guidance is confirmed.
What's available now: Efficiency Vermont's state-funded rebate programs are fully active. See below.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total HEAR allocation | $29 million |
| Designated administrator | Efficiency Vermont |
| Program status | Pending — federal guidance awaited |
| Expected launch | No confirmed date; watch publicservice.vermont.gov |
| LMI income threshold | ≤80% AMI (e.g., ~$100,900 for family of 4 in Burlington metro) |
| Moderate income | 80–150% AMI (50% cost match required) |
| Heat pump HVAC rebate (LMI) | Up to $8,000 |
| Heat pump HVAC rebate (moderate) | Up to $4,000 |
| Total household maximum | Up to $14,000 across all measures |
| Contractor enrollment | Likely via Efficiency Vermont Trade Ally program |
While HEAR awaits launch, Efficiency Vermont's state-funded programs are active. These don't require federal HEAR funds and are available today.
| Program | What It Covers | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-climate ASHP rebate | Air-source heat pump (whole-home) | Up to $2,500 | Must be CEE Tier 3 or ENERGY STAR Most Efficient; Trade Ally installation preferred |
| Ductless mini-split rebate | Cold-climate ductless heat pump | Up to $800/head | CEE-listed; multiple head units eligible |
| Heat pump water heater | HPWH replacing electric resistance or gas | Up to $700 | ENERGY STAR certified; capacity requirements apply |
| Enhanced Weatherization (DPS-funded) | Insulation, air sealing, envelope | Up to 90% of cost for income-eligible households | Funded by VT Dept of Public Service; available through 2026 or while funding lasts |
| Standard weatherization rebates | Insulation, air sealing | Up to 75% of cost | Available to all households regardless of income |
Contact Efficiency Vermont: 888-921-5990 | efficiencyvermont.com | info@efficiencyvermont.com
Vermont has characteristics that make the HEAR stack particularly valuable when it launches:
Vermont is climate zone 6 throughout most of the state. Cold-climate heat pumps rated for -13°F operation are required for full efficiency in VT conditions. Several manufacturers have products with demonstrated performance at Vermont's design temperatures — Mitsubishi, Bosch, and Daikin all have qualifying models. Efficiency Vermont's product list is the reference for qualifying models.
Vermont has one of the highest percentages of homes heating with fuel oil in the nation — over 30% as of 2023. The economics of converting from #2 oil at $3.50+/gallon to a cold-climate heat pump are compelling, especially with HEAR rebates reducing the capital cost. For income-eligible households switching from oil, the HEAR rebate plus enhanced weatherization can result in very low out-of-pocket costs.
Green Mountain Power (GMP), Vermont's largest electric utility, offers rebates that stack with Efficiency Vermont rebates. Current GMP rebates:
Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) and Washington Electric Co-op also have programs — contact your client's utility directly for current amounts.
Vermont's federally-funded Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) serves households below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). WAP and HEAR are designed to serve complementary populations without overlap — WAP for the deepest LMI households, HEAR adding to the stack for households 80-150% AMI. Vermont WAP is administered through local Community Action Agencies:
Registration is free at efficiencyvermont.com/trade-ally. Trade Allies get immediate access to current rebate programs (revenue today) and are likely to be the preferred enrollment pathway for HEAR when it launches. Requirements include contractor license, insurance, and completing a short orientation.
Vermont HEAR will almost certainly require BPI Building Analyst (BA) or RESNET HERS Rater credentials for energy assessments. If you don't have one, the fastest path is BPI BA — exam-based, no field certification required, 2–4 weeks from enrollment to credentialed. See the certification requirements guide for the national comparison.
Vermont will likely require NEEP cold-climate specification or ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certification. Check the NEEP ASHP product list (neep.org/emv-central) — models listed as "qualified" for Vermont's climate zone meet the bar. Efficiency Vermont maintains a separate approved product list that aligns with NEEP.
Primary signal sources:
The IRA Practitioner Brief will cover Vermont's HEAR launch the week it's announced. Free for the first three issues — subscribe to make sure you don't miss it.
| State | HEAR Status | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Live | Best stacking state nationally; Mass Save + HEAR + utility |
| Rhode Island | Live (LMI) | Sep 2024 launch; CAP agency intake; stacks with Clean Heat RI ($0 for LMI) |
| Connecticut | Pending Q3 2026 | Energize CT admin; contractor pre-enrollment may open May 2026 |
| New Hampshire | Pending | NH DOE admin; no confirmed launch date |
| Maine | Live — Limited | Manufactured homes + affordable multifamily only; single-family pending |
| Vermont | Pending | $29M allocated; Efficiency Vermont admin; awaiting federal guidance |
Rhode Island launched first in New England (September 2024) and remains the only state in the region with a fully operational HEAR program covering LMI households at scale. Massachusetts launched in 2023 and has the most developed stacking ecosystem. Vermont's launch would give New England practitioners another strong market.
Vermont uses HUD Area Median Income tables. Vermont is unusual in that most of the state falls under statewide nonmetro AMI thresholds rather than metro area limits. As of 2025, the Vermont nonmetro 80% AMI threshold is approximately $64,800 for a single person and $92,500 for a family of four. Burlington-South Burlington metro (Chittenden County) has a higher AMI — approximately $70,600 (single) and $100,900 (family of four) at 80%.
Yes — Efficiency Vermont's rebates are state-funded and available now. The Enhanced Weatherization program (through the Department of Public Service) offers up to 90% cost coverage for income-eligible households on insulation and air sealing, through the end of 2026 or while funding lasts. These programs exist independently of federal HEAR funds.
The 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Vermont clients who installed qualifying equipment in 2025 can still claim the credit on their 2025 tax return. For 2026 installs, the credit is no longer available. HEAR and Efficiency Vermont rebates are unaffected.
Vermont's WAP is delivered through Community Action Agencies by region: CVOEO (northwest), CVCAC (central), Capstone Community Action (north-central), NVDA (northeast kingdom), SEVCA (southeast), and Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (Bennington area). Find your regional CAP agency at masscap.org or search "Vermont community action weatherization [county]".