SMECO Home Energy Improvement Program Rebates
The Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative’s Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) provides rebates averaging $3,000 on qualifying insulation, air sealing, and home performance improvements, with instant rebates of up to $10,000 or 75% of project cost available through authorized contractors. One key advantage of SMECO’s program over other Maryland utilities’ programs is that the home energy analysis is provided at no additional cost to SMECO members. York Home Performance serves the SMECO service territory in Southern Maryland.
What Is the SMECO Home Energy Improvement Program
SMECO’s Home Energy Improvement Program (HEIP) is SMECO’s equivalent of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program offered by BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva Power. It operates under the same EmPOWER Maryland framework and provides similar rebates for insulation and air-sealing work.
The key difference from other Maryland utility programs is that the home energy analysis is provided at no additional cost to SMECO members, compared to the $100 audit fee charged by other utilities. SMECO Energy Advisors conducts the analysis and provides upgrade recommendations along with estimates of available rebates.
Electrification projects became eligible for SMECO HEIP rebates as of June 2, 2025, expanding the program to include heat pump systems and fuel switching.
How the SMECO HEIP Program Works
Schedule a no-cost home energy analysis
A SMECO Energy Advisor visits your home to analyze energy use, install energy-saving items, including LEDs and other efficiency products, and provide upgrade recommendations with estimates of available rebates.
Review your improvement recommendations
Your Energy Advisor explains the benefits of each recommended upgrade and the associated rebate amounts. You decide which improvements to proceed with.
Select an authorized contractor
To qualify for instant rebates guaranteed by SMECO, you must select an SMECO-authorized contractor to complete the recommended upgrades.
Sign a contract and complete the work
Your authorized contractor provides a contract showing final costs and rebate amounts. Work is completed, and instant rebates are applied through the authorized contractor.
SMECO HEIP Rebate Amounts
Air Sealing and Insulation
Rebates average $3,000 for qualifying whole-home upgrade projects. Instant rebates are guaranteed through authorized contractors. Maximum rebates can reach $10,000 to $15,000 or 75% of the project cost, depending on the scope of improvements, particularly for projects that include electrification.
Electrification Projects
As of June 2, 2025, SMECO members can access additional rebates for upgrading space and water heating systems from combustion fuels to efficient electric systems. This is included in the $15,000 incentive cap. SMECO also offers up to $2,000 in make-ready incentives to assist with qualifying electrical upgrades needed to support electrification.
Smart Thermostat
SMECO offers a $100 instant rebate on a qualifying Honeywell smart thermostat with no-cost installation through an approved contractor when scheduled as part of the HEIP program.
*Note: Rebate amounts are subject to change. Verify current amounts at time of estimate.*
Who Qualifies for SMECO HEIP Rebates
• Must be a current SMECO residential customer-member.
• Must have a central air conditioning unit, air-source heat pump, or other primary electric heating system.
• Must receive electric service from SMECO.
• The program is available to customers who purchase energy from an alternate supplier as long as they receive electric service from SMECO.
• To receive instant rebates, upgrades must be completed by an SMECO-authorized contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions About SMECO HEIP Rebates
Is the SMECO home energy analysis really at no cost?
Yes. Unlike BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva Power, which charge $100 for the home energy assessment, SMECO provides the home energy analysis at no additional cost to its members. A SMECO Energy Advisor visits your home, analyzes energy use, installs energy-saving items, and provides upgrade recommendations with rebate estimates.
How much can I receive through the SMECO HEIP program?
Rebates average $3,000 for qualifying projects. Maximum rebates can reach $10,000 to $15,000 or 75% of the project cost for projects that include electrification upgrades. To qualify for SMECO’s guaranteed instant rebates, work must be completed by an SMECO-authorized contractor.
What is required to get the instant rebates from SMECO?
To receive instant rebates guaranteed through the SMECO HEIP program, you must select an SMECO-authorized contractor to complete your recommended upgrades. The contractor provides a contract with final costs and rebate amounts before work begins.
What changed with the SMECO program in June 2025?
As of June 2, 2025, electrification projects became eligible for SMECO HEIP rebates. This means SMECO members can now receive rebates for upgrading from combustion-fuel heating and water-heating systems to electric systems, such as heat pumps, in addition to the existing insulation and air-sealing rebates.
Does York Home Performance serve the SMECO territory?
York Home Performance serves portions of the SMECO service territory in Southern Maryland. Contact us to confirm coverage for your specific address in Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert, or Prince George’s counties.
Access SMECO HEIP Rebates Through York Home Performance
York Home Performance serves homeowners in the SMECO service territory in Southern Maryland. We check your SMECO rebate eligibility and assist you through the program process. Call us at (410) 934-7734. Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. Service available 24/7.