Home Electrification Appliance Rebate Program

Program Requirements

• Income Qualification  
• Existing NON-ELECTRIC space heat and/or natural gas water heat.  
• A Tacoma Power-approved contractor must complete the work.  
• Agree to a pre-and post-inspection by Tacoma Power.  
• Acceptance of terms and conditions.  

 

Program Steps

1. Fill out and submit a HEAR Program Application
2. Tacoma Power will review your application and contact you to let you know if you are approved, waitlisted, or don’t meet the qualifications.  
3. Once approved, Tacoma Power will schedule a home energy assessment (pre-inspection) to verify that your home meets program requirements.  
4. You will then select a Tacoma Power Approved Contractor(s) for bids.  We will provide you with a list of approved HEAR Program contractors to contact for a bid.
5. The contractor(s) will determine if any electrical upgrades or other work is needed to install the heat pump or water heater and submit bids for this work. You will choose which bid(s) you want and submit the copies to Tacoma Power.  
6. Tacoma Power will review bid(s) for funding approval and notify you and the contractor.  
7. The contractor will schedule the installation and submit an invoice to Tacoma Power for payment. 
8. Tacoma Power verifies that the project meets program requirements and may perform a final inspection before paying the contractor.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HEAR Program? 

The Home Energy and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) Program is a partnership between the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Power that helps low—and moderate-income households upgrade to high-efficiency electric heat pumps for space heating and water heating. 

Why is this Program being offered? 

The Program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning from fossil fuels to clean electric energy for homes and water heating equipment.  

Who is funding the Program? 

The Program is funded by a grant from the Department of Commerce and is a direct result of the Climate Commitment Act. www.climate.wa.gov 

Who can apply for the HEAR Program?  

Tacoma Power customers who heat their home and/or water with non-electric sources like natural gas, oil, propane, or wood and meet the income levels on the application can apply. The grant is available for single-family and multi-family (up to four-unit) households.   

How do I know if my income qualifies?  

Eligibility is based on your household income compared to the area median income (AMI). For this Program, low income is defined as up to 60% of AMI, considered Level 1, and moderate-income is up to 100% of AMI, considered Level 2. Dollar amounts for these thresholds are included in the application. 

Are renters eligible to apply?  

Renters who live in a single-family or multi-family building with up to 4 units that meet the income requirements can apply. For multi-family properties, at least 50% of the units in the building must meet the income requirements. Coordination with your landlord will be required. 

What documents do I need to provide?  

Initially, the only document you need to provide is a completed application. Tacoma Power may contact you if additional documentation is required, which could include proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns, or proof of participation in other income-qualified programs.  

What do Levels 1 and 2 mean on the application? 

Level 1 is 60% of the area’s median income (AMI).  Level 2 is 100% of the area median income.   

What is an energy assessment? 

We will conduct an energy assessment as part of the application process to ensure your home is eligible for the Program. The energy assessment is a quick, virtual, or on-site confirmation that your existing heat and/or water heat is non-electric.   

How long does it take to process an application? 

Application processing times may vary, but you can typically expect a response within a few weeks of submission.  

Is there an application deadline?  

Applications are reviewed in the order received. Applicants who meet Level 1 income requirements will be processed first. Applicants who meet Level 2 income requirements will be waitlisted initially and then processed until the funds are exhausted, so it’s best to apply as soon as possible. 

Do I need to use an approved contractor to be eligible? 

Yes. Once your application is approved, you will receive a list of approved HEAR Program contractors after the energy assessment.  

What type of upgrades are paid for by the Program? 

The Program pays for the purchase and installation of high-efficiency electric heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. It may include any necessary electrical modifications or upgrades associated with the installation.  

Do I get to choose the equipment that is installed?  

The Program will provide high-efficiency electric equipment that meets specific energy and environmental standards. While you may be unable to choose the exact model, all installed equipment will be energy-efficient. 

If I convert to electric heat pumps, will my electric bill increase? 

Yes, your electric bill will increase. However, your gas bill will decrease if you currently have gas heat or a gas water heater.   

How much of the cost is covered by the Program?  

The Program covers up to 100% of the cost for eligible households.  

Is there a warranty on the installed equipment and upgrades? 

All installed equipment and electrical upgrades come with a warranty to ensure quality and reliability. Your contractor will provide specific warranty details upon installation.  

What if I already have some energy-efficient equipment? Can I still apply?  

Yes, you can apply for the eligible upgrades that you haven’t already installed.   

Who will install the new equipment?  

You will select one of our approved contractors to install the equipment. This is a program requirement.  

How long does the installation take?  

Timelines can vary, but most installations are expected to be completed within a month of approval. 

Will there be inspections? 

Yes, a post-installation inspection will ensure the equipment is installed and meets all program requirements. This inspection could be on-site or virtual. 

What do I need to know about operating a heat pump? 

Heat Pumps operate more constantly than gas/oil heating systems and rely on air circulation to move heat, so it is essential to clean the filter often (every couple of months) for proper function and to extend the life of the equipment. It is best to set the thermostat to where you are comfortable and leave it at that temperature without changing it, even at night or when you are away. Heat Pumps need proper maintenance, so you will want to have your contractor back every couple of years to service the equipment. 

Will I be able to choose the date and time for equipment installation? 

Yes, you will work with the approved contractor you select to an installation date that fits your schedule.   

What if I need help filling out the application? 

Please call us at 253-502-8363 or stop by our Energy Info Center in the lobby at TPU, 3628 S. 35th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409.

How will I know if my application is approved?  

You will receive a notification via e-mail or mail once your application has been reviewed and approved.  

Can I track the status of my application? 

Unfortunately, our website does not provide real-time status information. Feel free to contact our Customer Energy Solutions team if you have questions at 253-502-8363. 

What happens if I’m waitlisted? 

Funds are limited for this Program.  Applications for customers with Level 1 income will be processed first.  Customers with Level 2 income will be waitlisted, and we will notify you if funding becomes available.