Want a lower electric bill without sacrificing comfort? If you live in New Bern, you may be able to pair utility rebates with a smart, voluntary load‑management program to save now and help stabilize costs over time. If you are buying, selling, or upgrading a home, understanding how the City utility’s rebates and load switches work can help you plan your next move with confidence. In this guide, you’ll learn what the program offers, how the switches work, who qualifies, and what to check before you apply. Let’s dive in.
What New Bern’s utility offers
New Bern’s municipal utility offers residential rebates for qualifying electric heat pumps and electric water heaters, alongside a voluntary load‑management program that uses control switches on specific equipment. According to public summaries, rebate eligibility is tied to having a load‑management switch installed or reconnected on your equipment. You can review the overview of the City’s residential rebates in this summary of the program from Clean Energy Authority: City of New Bern Electric Department residential energy incentives.
As of October 2025, public summaries list typical rebate amounts such as about $100 per ton for electric heat pumps, up to a $400 maximum, and about $150 for electric water heaters. These dollar amounts appear in multiple aggregator summaries, including this one: EnergyBot’s overview of New Bern’s residential energy efficiency rebates. Always confirm current amounts and any updates with the City before you buy equipment.
How voluntary load management works
Load management reduces system demand during peak times by briefly cycling certain devices in participating homes. Utilities in eastern North Carolina commonly control electric water heaters, central air conditioners, heat pumps, and, in winter, electric heat strips. The goal is to trim peak usage while keeping comfort impacts small. For a clear explanation of how these municipal programs operate, see the UNC School of Government’s overview of load control and rebates in our region: financing energy efficiency for municipal electric customers.
New Bern upgraded its metering and control technology to advanced metering infrastructure, which supports two‑way communications. A vendor case study describes the City’s deployment and notes projected wholesale power cost savings, which is one reason utilities offer rebates and incentives. You can read that background here: Eaton case study on the City of New Bern AMI and load management upgrade.
Who qualifies and how to apply
Eligibility generally applies to residential customers of the City of New Bern who install qualifying electric heat pumps or electric water heaters. Participation in the load‑management program, by installing or reconnecting a switch, is commonly required for rebate approval. You can see a summary of typical rules here: Clean Energy Authority’s New Bern program page.
Use this simple process to stay on track:
Confirm your equipment specs. Minimum efficiency thresholds apply, and sources differ on exact numbers for qualifying models. Public summaries vary on SEER requirements, so verify the City’s current minimums before you buy. For reference, see this cross‑check: SolarQC summary of New Bern’s efficiency thresholds.
Install or reconnect the load switch. The utility installs a control device on eligible equipment as part of enrollment. This step is often required to receive the rebate credit.
Gather your paperwork. You will usually need a bill of sale or invoice with model and serial numbers, plus your New Bern Utilities account info.
Apply within the stated window. Municipal programs often set a deadline after installation for submitting applications. Check the City’s current timeline and any inspection requirements before you schedule work.
Keep the switch in place. Some summaries note a clawback if you remove the switch within a stated period, for example two years. See EnergyBot’s note on removal terms: New Bern residential rebate program overview, then confirm the exact language with the City.
Savings and tradeoffs
Direct savings. You may receive a one‑time bill credit for a qualifying heat pump or water heater. Some municipal programs also provide small monthly credits tied to participation level, which vary by utility. Confirm any recurring credits with New Bern Utilities.
Community benefit. By trimming peak demand, the City can reduce wholesale power purchases. A vendor case study reports projected savings of about $1.2 million per year when load control is fully deployed in New Bern, attributed to AMI‑enabled management and verification. See the Eaton case study for details.
Comfort and use. Water heaters are typically cycled off for short periods, and most tanks retain heat for normal use. For HVAC, compressors may cycle off briefly while the indoor fan runs. Households with medical or special equipment should review their needs before enrolling. The UNC overview explains common cycling patterns and goals: municipal load control and rebates.
Selling or buying with a load switch
If a load‑management switch is installed, it is often visible near the equipment and may be noted on the utility account. As a seller, confirm whether your home is enrolled and whether any past rebate credits have clawback terms if a future owner removes the switch within a set period. As a buyer, ask for documentation on equipment model numbers, installation dates, and utility program status so you can continue participation if you choose. For context on how municipal programs interact with homes and billing, review UNC’s regional summary: financing energy efficiency for municipal electric customers.
Quick checklist before you apply
- Your New Bern Utilities account number and service address.
- Equipment invoice with model and serial numbers.
- Contractor name and installation date.
- Photos of the installed unit and existing load switch, if any.
- City’s current rebate amounts, efficiency minimums, and application deadline.
- Clawback terms if the switch is removed early.
Ready to plan your next step?
Timing upgrades with your move can stretch your budget and appeal to energy‑savvy buyers. If you want help weighing costs and benefits in the context of your sale or purchase in Greater New Bern, reach out to Kristina Harris for finance‑forward guidance and a clear plan.
FAQs
What is New Bern’s load‑management program for homeowners?
- It is a voluntary utility program that installs a control switch on certain electric devices to reduce peak demand with minimal comfort impact, as described in this UNC overview of municipal load control and rebates.
How much are New Bern’s rebates for heat pumps and water heaters?
- Public summaries list about $100 per ton for heat pumps, up to $400, and about $150 for electric water heaters as of October 2025, based on this EnergyBot program overview, which you should confirm with the City.
Do I need a load switch installed to receive a rebate?
- Yes in most cases, rebate eligibility is tied to installing or reconnecting a load‑management switch, according to this Clean Energy Authority summary of New Bern’s residential incentives.
Will cycling affect my comfort or hot water?
- Programs are designed to limit impacts by cycling equipment for short periods, and water heaters usually retain heat through brief interruptions, as explained in the UNC municipal load control guide.
Are there monthly bill credits for participating?
- Some municipal programs offer small monthly credits tied to participation level, but structures vary, so check with New Bern Utilities for current details.
What should sellers disclose about an installed load switch?
- Confirm whether the switch is present and whether past rebates include clawback terms if the switch is removed soon after a sale, then share relevant utility documentation with prospective buyers.
