Frequently Asked Questions About Free Energy Bill Help
We get a lot of the same questions from homeowners across Charlotte, Gastonia, Mt. Holly, and the surrounding areas. Here are the answers to the most common ones. If you do not see your question here, call us at 336-995-0521 — we are happy to help.
About Our Service
Is your service really free?
Yes. Energy Advocate Carolinas provides its services at absolutely no cost to you. There are no hidden fees, no charges later, and no obligation. Our service is also free for any organization that refers homeowners to us.
What exactly do you do?
We help homeowners navigate the EnergySaverNC program. That means we help you figure out if you qualify, walk you through the application, explain what happens at each step, and stay by your side until the upgrades are installed in your home. Think of us as your personal guide through a government program that can be confusing on your own.
Where do you provide services?
We currently serve homeowners in Charlotte, Gastonia, Mt. Holly, Cramerton, Belmont, and the broader Mecklenburg County and Gaston County areas.
Do I have to come to your office?
No. We can work with you by phone, text, email, or in person — whatever is easiest for you.
About the EnergySaverNC Program
What is the EnergySaverNC program?
EnergySaverNC is a state-run program funded by over $208 million from the federal Inflation Reduction Act. It provides rebates for home energy upgrades — things like insulation, heat pumps, water heaters, and more — to help North Carolina homeowners lower their energy bills. The program is managed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality.
How much can I get through EnergySaverNC?
Qualifying homeowners can receive up to $16,000 through the HOMES program (insulation, air sealing, heating and cooling) and up to $14,000 through the HEAR program (appliances and electrification). That is up to $30,000 total in home energy improvements.
How much will I save on my energy bills?
The program estimates that participating households will save approximately $945 per year on energy costs. Your actual savings depend on the condition of your home and the upgrades you receive.
How long will the program last?
The program will run until 2031 or until the $208 million in funding is exhausted, whichever comes first. We recommend applying sooner rather than later to ensure funds are still available.
About Eligibility
Do I qualify for EnergySaverNC?
You likely qualify for full rebates if your household income is below 80% of the area median income for your county. A strong indicator is if you currently receive SSI, SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid — the income thresholds for these programs generally fall within the qualifying range. Households earning between 80% and 150% of the area median income may qualify for partial rebates. Not sure? Call us at 336-995-0521 and we will help you find out in about 10 minutes.
Do I have to own my home?
Both homeowners and renters can qualify for the EnergySaverNC program. If you rent, you may need your landlord's permission for certain upgrades to be made to the property.
I live in an apartment. Can I still qualify?
The program is primarily designed for single-family homes. If you live in a single-family rental home, you may qualify. Eligibility for apartments and multi-family housing may vary. Contact us and we can help you determine your options.
Does my home's age or condition matter?
Older homes often benefit the most from this program because they typically have less insulation and less efficient systems. The energy assessment will determine exactly what upgrades your home needs.
About the Process
How long does the process take from start to finish?
Timelines vary depending on demand and scheduling in your area. Generally, the process from initial application to completed installation can take several weeks to a few months. We help keep things moving as efficiently as possible.
Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No. For households that qualify for full rebates, the entire cost of approved upgrades is covered. You do not need to pay anything out of pocket upfront.
Who does the work on my home?
All installation work is performed by certified contractors approved through the EnergySaverNC program. Energy Advocate Carolinas does not perform the installation work ourselves — we guide you through the process of accessing the program that provides it.
What if I get denied?
If your application is not approved, we will help you understand why and explore whether there are other programs or options available to you. We do not give up on our clients.
Still Have Questions?
We are here to help. Call us at 336-995-0521 or visit our contact page. There is no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to getting help with your energy bills.