It is no secret that New England winters can be harsh. Here in Connecticut, we are not strangers to frigid temperatures, bitter winds, and heavy snowfall. Unfortunately, the heating costs that come with these winters are frequently a heavy burden for many Connecticut families. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is committed to helping CT families lower that burden by covering heating costs and promoting energy-saving heat pumps, providing both immediate relief and long-term savings.
Heat Pumps: A Smart Heating Choice for Every Budget
A heat pump is an energy-efficient heating appliance that works by cycling heat from one place to another, either to heat or cool a space. It’s energy-efficient because rather than producing heat like a furnace or electric heater, it simply moves heat from one place to another. It’s been proven that heat pumps substantially reduce emissions, provide significant health benefits, and lower energy costs.
In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $450 million to a multi-state initiative called the New England Heat Pump Accelerator, which included the states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. This grant makes heat pumps more affordable and accessible to Connecticut families. With up to $100 million allocated to the state, Connecticut will be using the funds to reduce installation costs, expand availability, and create new jobs in the heating and cooling industry. Overall, the initiative aims to provide a greener and more affordable heating solution to Connecticut residents, particularly low-income families.
Heating Cost Relief and Energy Efficiency
DEEP wants Connecticut families to stay warm through the winter without having to sweat over a big bill. Through several programs, Connecticut residents have access to a variety of programs that will help keep their homes toasty warm at a lower cost:
· Using federal funds from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the state has implemented the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is designed to offset winter heating costs in lower-income Connecticut households.
· The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is another way that CT residents can make their homes more energy-efficient and lower their heating costs in the winter. Eligible applicants will receive an initial energy audit at their home to determine weatherization measures would help make their home more efficient.
· DEEP has collaborated with EnergizeCT to offer CT residents a variety of rebates and incentives on energy-efficient heating solutions.
DEEP and its energy partners are here to help ease the burden of heating your home in the harsh Connecticut winters. Explore the opportunities available to you and take the first step towards a more comfortable and affordable winter. For a full list of energy incentives, rebate programs, loans, and financing offered through DEEP, visit https://portal.ct.gov/deep/energy/betp-programs.
Resources
· Learn about all renewable energy
· Learn about geothermal energy
· DEEP’s Consumer Guide for Air-Source Heat Pumps
· DEEP’s Consumer Guide for Ground-Source Heat Pumps
· EnergizeCT Heating and Cooling
· DEEP’s Weatherization Assistance Program
· All Programs offered through the Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy (BETP)
