Let's Fix Your Utility Bills.

West Virginia just launched $88 million in home energy rebates. Some Cabell County families can get insulation, HVAC, and efficient appliances at no out-of-pocket cost.

The county commission doesn't set your power rates. But it shouldn't let families leave money on the table, either. When opportunities like this come up, we need our commissioners to champion, advocate, and inform residents, so that we don't miss out. Sign-up help days, websites like this one, and intervening at the PSC are just some of the ways county commissioners can stand up against rising utility costs. We're all in this together! ❤️ — Tia

What it is

The state launched its Home Energy Rebate programs statewide on September 28, 2026. They're federally funded, run by the West Virginia Office of Energy, and rebates last until September 2031 or until the money is committed, whichever comes first. When it's gone, it's gone.

HOMES (Home Owner Managing Energy Savings): whole-home upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling. The more energy you save, the bigger the rebate.

HEAR (Home Efficiency Appliance Rebates): efficient appliances, expected to include things like heat pump water heaters, electric stoves and clothes dryers, plus the wiring and ventilation that make them possible. For households at or below 150% of area median income. The state says final HEAR details will be announced before it opens, so ask Southwestern Community Action Council whether HEAR applications are open yet.

The first West Virginia homeowner through the program saw her electric bill drop 33.5%, saving $102 in one month.

Who qualifies

Your West Virginia home must be your primary residence. Homeowners and renters can both apply. Renters need the landlord's written authorization.

Household income	What you can get
Low income generally below 80% of your county's area median income	Up to 100% of project costs: eligible upgrades with no out-of-pocket cost within program limits
Moderate income 80–150% of area median income	Rebates cover a portion of the cost
Above moderate above 150%	Some HOMES rebates may still be available, depending on the project and the energy saved (HEAR is not available at this level)

Limits depend on your household size. Income is compared with your county's Area Median Income. Here is a link to a downloadable spreadsheet to calculate your AMI (follow the instructions after downloading to see if you fall within the AMI limits, or reach out to the organization below for help determining if you qualify): AMI calculator

Another way to show your income: if anyone in your household gets SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, SSI, Lifeline, the Housing Improvement Program, HOPWA, WIC or Weatherization assistance, a benefit letter can show you meet the income rules. WIC and Weatherization participants may need to provide more information, and the program's other requirements still apply.

What to have ready

A checklist to help you prepare. The official eligibility page has the complete list.

Photo ID: WV driver's license or Real ID, U.S. passport, or permanent residency card
Two proofs of residency: a utility bill from the last three months, vehicle registration or insurance, employer or school records, or a government document
Homeowners: mortgage or settlement statement, deed or tax documents, or homeowner's insurance
Renters: your lease, the landlord authorization form, and a low-income tenant protection form if it applies (the landlord also shows proof of ownership)
Proof of income: your latest tax return, W-2 or 1099, two pay stubs dated within the last 60 days, a year-to-date pay statement, or benefit letters (Social Security, unemployment, VA, child support)

How to apply

Wait for approval before you buy. Don't purchase equipment, start work or hire a contractor until the program approves your project. Purchases and projects started before approval don't qualify for rebates.

Apply on the state's official portal Read the official eligibility page

Need help? Cabell County's regional partner for the program is Southwestern Community Action Council: 304-525-5151. They help residents understand the requirements and complete applications. The state's pages still mention a waitlist from the pilot phase, so ask them what to expect right now.

Good to know: upgrades replace equipment with a more efficient model using the same fuel type. The program doesn't cover switching fuels, such as from a gas furnace to an electric heat pump.

⚠️ Watch for scams. Applying is free. Never pay anyone to sign you up, and never hand your ID, pay stubs or Social Security number to someone at your door. Apply only through the official portal or your community action council.

Why I'm sharing this

Thomas Jefferson said, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.” I didn't create this energy efficiency rebate program: credit goes to the governor's office, the Office of Energy and the people who worked for years to bring it to West Virginia. I just want every Cabell family to be well informed so that we can set our government, our households, and our community to right. I believe that electeds work for the people, not the other way around, and we're all in this together. ❤️ — Tia Fix Rumbaugh

This campaign isn't affiliated with the program, and we never collect applications or documents. For official information, use the links on this page.

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Sources: Governor's launch announcement (Sept 28, 2026) · WV Office of Energy program page · Eligibility · Program FAQ