CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Office of Energy (WVOE) has launched the pilot phase of its Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Program, one of the state’s two rebate programs, marking the first step in bringing federally funded home energy upgrades to residents across the state.
Every family deserves a safe, comfortable home they can afford to heat and cool,” said West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey. “This program will help West Virginians make practical improvements that lower energy costs, strengthen our housing stock, and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking families. As we roll this program out statewide, we’re making sure it delivers real value for the people of West Virginia.”
Funded through the U.S. Department of Energy, HOMES will help qualifying households offset the cost of whole-home energy improvements.
“American families deserve affordable, reliable energy and the freedom to choose the energy upgrades that are best suited to their homes,” said United States Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. “We commend West Virginia for leading by example with the launch of their HOMES rebate program, which will help to grow their economy by putting money back in the pockets of West Virginians throughout the state.”
Eligible upgrades may include insulation, air sealing, energy-efficient windows and doors, and modern heating and cooling systems. These improvements can increase household comfort, improve home energy performance, and help reduce utility costs. When fully implemented, the program is projected to generate up to $4.5 million in annual utility cost savings for participating West Virginia households.
“West Virginia homes are the heart of our communities, and our whole-home energy rebate program makes energy-saving upgrades within reach for those who need support,” said Nicholas Preservati, West Virginia Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary and Director of the WVOE. “At the same time, HOMES will support contractors, strengthen our skilled workforce, and encourage broader investment in West Virginia’s energy economy.”
The initial pilot phase includes a select group of homes in southern West Virginia, in collaboration with Coalfield Community Action Partnership, Southwestern Community Action Council, and PRIDE Community Services. The phased rollout will allow the WVOE to test systems, contractor coordination, application processes, and customer support strategies before HOMES becomes available statewide.
“This pilot launch is an important step in making sure every part of this program functions the way it should before we open the program to the rest of the state,” said Preservati. “We want participants to have a smooth experience from application to installation, and this phased rollout will help us identify opportunities to strengthen that process.”
While the pilot is underway, the WVOE is accepting applications from eligible residents throughout West Virginia. Projects will not begin until the pilot phase ends and HOMES becomes available to all counties.
The WVOE is also working to expand the network of qualified professionals available to complete rebate-supported projects. Through its Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Program in partnership with Everblue, contractors can receive training and credentials needed to participate in the program and serve households across the state.
The WVOE continues to develop its Home Efficiency Appliance Rebate (HEAR) Program, the second of West Virginia’s Home Energy Rebate Programs. While HOMES supports whole-home projects that achieve measurable energy savings, HEAR will help eligible households offset the cost of qualifying energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
Residents interested in applying or learning more about West Virginia’s Home Energy Rebate Programs, eligibility requirements, and qualifying improvements are encouraged to visit the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website at energywv.org.
Media resources, including program details, frequently asked questions, official logos, and broadcast soundbites, are available in the West Virginia Home Energy Rebate Programs Media Toolkit.
About the West Virginia Office of Energy
The West Virginia Office of Energy is responsible for the formulation and implementation of fossil, renewable and energy efficiency initiatives designed to advance energy resource development opportunities and provide energy services to businesses, communities and homeowners in West Virginia.