Rhode Island has initiated a $31 million Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program to assist low- and middle-income families in improving energy efficiency in their homes. The program, part of the Biden-Harris Administration's broader initiative funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to provide rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances and essential upgrades like electrical panels and wiring. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm highlighted that Rhode Island is the fifth state to launch such a program, which is expected to save households up to $1 billion annually in energy costs while supporting jobs in construction and manufacturing. The initiative also emphasizes community involvement, requiring states to allocate at least half of the rebates to low-income households. Meanwhile, Maine has also launched a similar program, enabling substantial savings on energy efficiency improvements for its residents, including those living in manufactured homes. Both programs represent significant steps towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across the states.