Community Opportunities with Energy Saver NC
Explore contracting work that can help lower utility bills, improve home comfort, and make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable for your community.
Finding steady contracting work or starting a contracting business can be challenging, especially in smaller or older communities. Finding new customers may feel unpredictable, but it does not have to be. By becoming an Energy Saver NC contractor, you can place your services in front of homeowners who are already looking for trusted professionals. This helps you spend less time marketing and more time doing the work that pays. If your business experiences a slow season, this opportunity can also help fill gaps in your schedule and build a stronger customer base.
Energy Saver NC is a program that helps homeowners and renters across all 100 counties improve comfort, lower utility bills, and access federally funded rebates through programs for energy efficiency and electrification upgrades.
The program also needs contractors to perform these upgrades, including electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, washer and dryer combos, electric cooktops, electric stoves and ovens, insulation, HVAC upgrades, electrical panel upgrades, and wiring improvements.
The program is managed by the NC Department of Environmental Quality and is supported by $208 million in funding. It is expected to continue until 2031 or until funds are fully used.
Benefits of Becoming an ESNC Certified Contractor:
- Business growth and service expansion
- Working with Energy Saver NC can open access to a new pool of customers who are ready to make home upgrades.
- Marketing resources, technical support, and training opportunities
- The required training module helps ensure contractors understand program standards, participation requirements, and best practices for delivering quality work.
- Enhanced community credibility and trust
- Becoming a certified contractor through the program can strengthen your reputation, build trust in your community, and support future business opportunities
Contractor Considerations:
Energy Saver NC helps connect contractors with clients. Discussions about quotes, proposals, and completed work take place between the contractor and the client, while the program helps ensure rebate eligibility and program standards are met.
Because Energy Saver NC is a federally funded program, contractors must meet both state licensing requirements and program-specific standards to become approved. Requirements may include:
- State licenses for your trade, such as electrical or general contracting
- Letter of Good Standing from the state of North Carolina
- W-9 on file
- Demonstrate two years or more in business (preferred)
- Proof of insurance (general liability, workers’ compensation, etc.)
- Building Science Principles credential (BPI)
