Gov. Janet Mills (D) announced Friday that Maine is now slated to receive $43 million in federal funding to support the installation of high-efficiency heat pump water heaters.
This money comes through the New England Heat Pump Accelerator, described by the governor as “a collaborative multi-state initiative supported by a Federal grant to rapidly increase the adoption of heat pump technology across the region.”
Heat pump water heater purchased at participating Maine distributors and retailers will be eligible for an instant discount of up to $1,100 through Efficiency Maine rebates for eligible households.
According to Gov. Mills, use of these water heaters can reduce annual electricity costs for households by as much as $650.
“Maine families know every dollar counts, and heat pump water heaters can save hundreds of them every year,” said Mills. “With this new funding, we will help even more households lower their energy bills, cut their reliance on expensive fossil fuels, and stay comfortable in their homes.”
“This investment also means good-paying jobs for plumbers, electricians, and businesses doing the work right here in our state,” she added.
“Heat pump water heaters are one of the most powerful tools we have to cut energy costs right now — and over the long term,” said Dan Burgess, Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
“By making this technology accessible to tens of thousands of households across the state, we’re putting real money back in people’s pockets, reducing our dependence on costly and unpredictable fossil fuels, and building a stronger, more resilient energy future for Maine,” Burgess said.
“As we approach the end of the heating season, now is a good time for homeowners and landlords to make a plan for replacing old boilers and water heaters nearing the end of their product life,” said Michael Stoddard, Executive Director at Efficiency Maine.
“A good first step is to check out the Efficiency Maine website where you will find helpful information about high-efficiency heating systems, rebates and a list of participating contractors who can assist you in dramatically reducing your exposure to imported fuel prices,” Stoddard added.
Click Here to Read the Full Press Release
The governor also touted a handful of other clean energy milestones in Friday’s press release, including the state’s reduced reliance on heating fuel and the rapid adoption of heat pumps statewide.
More than 700 homes throughout Maine have installed heat pumps with the help of Maine’s Home Energy Rebates program, which launched in 2024 with $36 million in Federal funding.
