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Hatteras ferry route begins early spring schedule March 3

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Hatteras Ferry. Photo: P. Vankevich/Ocracoke Observer


HATTERAS – With the onset of warmer weather and longer daylight hours, the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry System will be expanding the schedule on its popular Hatteras-Ocracoke route on Tuesday.

Daily departures will increase from 28 to 36 between March 3 and March 30. The schedule will be as follows:

From Hatteras: 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m., and midnight.

From Ocracoke: 4:30 a.m., 6:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m., and midnight. 

A full ferry schedule can be viewed and downloaded here.

For real time text or email notifications on schedule adjustments and other ferry information, sign up for the Ferry Information Notification System at www.ncdot.gov/fins.

Hyde County’s local sales tax request deserves a ‘Yes’ 

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In the March 3 primary, Hyde County voters will decide whether to approve a local sales tax increase.

After reviewing the county’s voter information guide and the discussions at county commissioners’ meetings, we believe voters should say “Yes.”

Before anti-tax folks work themselves into a frenzy, let’s be clear about the scale: This is an increase of just one-quarter of one cent—1 cent for every $4 spent, 25 cents on a $100 purchase.

The ballot language is straightforward: “Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes.”

To a large city, this might look like pocket change.

Here in Hyde County, where every dollar counts, it has the potential to generate up to $250,000 a year, according to the Hyde County website.

In a sparsely populated county, that is money that can make a real difference.

Crucially, this referendum is about who pays for the crucial services we all rely on.

EMS, law enforcement, and emergency management account for about 30% of the county’s 2025–26 budget.

Right now, property owners carry most of that burden through property taxes.

At the same time, tourism has become a cornerstone of our local economy.

Thousands of visitors drive our roads, depend on our first responders in emergencies and benefit from the safety and stability of our communities on Ocracoke and the mainland.

This small sales tax increase is a fair way to ask them to help pay for what they use.

If approved, the tax will spread the cost of public safety and education beyond homeowners and local businesses. Visitors and seasonal residents, who spend money in our shops and businesses, will contribute more directly to:
– Funding EMS, deputies, and emergency management 
– Supporting Hyde County Schools, our children, and our teachers 
– Maintaining the core services that make life here possible and attractive

For most local families, this change will barely be noticeable at the checkout, and the law protects many essentials.

Under North Carolina law, the 0.25% local sales tax does not apply to:
– Food groceries (unprepared foods)
– Gasoline 
– Prescription medications 

The increase falls on general retail purchases—many of them made by tourists. That is exactly where a tourism-based county should be looking for help.

This is not about expanding government for its own sake. Hyde County is already committed to funding EMS, law enforcement, emergency management, and our schools, whether this referendum passes or fails. The need will not disappear. The only question is whether property owners will continue to shoulder almost all of the cost, or whether visitors will finally pay a fairer share.

It is unusual in North Carolina for a referendum to appear only on a primary ballot and not on the November general ballot.

But this year, Hyde joins five other counties, Gates, Granville, Henderson, Martin, and Wayne, in placing a local sales tax referendum on the March primary ballot.

Ocracoke events Feb. 23 to March 1–updated

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Art rocks at Ocracoke School. Photo: C. Leinbach/Ocracoke Observer

Ocracoke Alive winter activities have begun. To see the full schedule, click here.

Monday, Feb. 23:
Ocracoke Alive: Spanish/English Coffee hour, 8:30 to 9:30 am. Ocracoke Library, and every Monday through March 23

Ocracoke Alive: Self care workshop: Yoga for beginners, 5:30 pm. Ocracoke Island Yoga Studio.

Ocracoke Alive: Envisioning the future of Ocracoke, discussion-based, creative workshops about the island’s long-term future, with Hannah Aronson, a master of city planning student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will facilitate the sessions that will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays, March 2, 9, 17 and 23, in the Deepwater Theater.

Ocracoke Alive: English as a Second Language. 7 pm. Ocracoke Community Library

Tuesday, Feb 24:
Ocracoke Alive: Cooking/baking with Eduardo Chavez; OUMC Rec hall. 6 pm. To RSVP, click here.

Ocracoke Alive: Yoga in Spanish, 7:30 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Wednesday, Feb. 25:
Ocracoke Alive: Yoga in Spanish with Sarah Shellow, 8:30 to 9:30 am. Deepwater Theater

Ocracoke Alive: A Tale of Blackbeard sing-along with Julia Howard. 6 to 8 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Thursday, Feb. 26
Ocracoke Alive: 9:30am – 10:30am. Ukulele/Guitar with Lou Castro. Deepwater Theater.

Ocracoke Alive: Creative Writing ~ Fiction with Sarah Shellow, 1 to 2:15 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Ocracoke Alive: Latin cardio class with Arturo, 6 pm Community Center.

Ocracoke Alive: Art: Perspective with Kitty Mitchell, 6 to 8 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Friday, Feb 27:
WOVV “What’s Happening on Ocracoke:” Host Peter Vankevich talks about the Occupancy Tax Board and grants with Bob Chestnut. 11:30 a.m. 90.1 FM.

Deepwater Theater: Potluck supper with Ocracoke Needle & Thread Club, 5:30 pm, followed by the short film “The Quilters” at 6:30. See flyer below.

Ocracoke Alive: Latin dance workshop 8 pm, followed by a dance at 9 pm. Community Center.

Saturday, Feb. 28:
Ocracoke Alive: Quilting workshop with Lori Millsap of Island Time Quilting. 2 to 5 pm. Deepwater Theater

Sunday, March 1:
Church services:
Ocracoke United Methodist Church, 11 am
Ocracoke Life Saving Church, 11 am
Stella Maris Chapel: Sunday Mass time at 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Go to Masstimes.org and type in the zip code 27960 but refresh your browser for it to work properly.

Barbecue Sandwich Fundraiser at Jason’s to benefit Ocracoke School fifth grade field trip. 11:30 am. See flyer below.

Ocracoke Alive: Quilting workshop with Lori Millsap of Island Time Quilting. 2 to 5 pm. Deepwater Theater

Ocracoke Alive: Games/Puzzles for Families & All Ages, 3 to 5 pm. Ocracoke Library.

Screenshot

Ocracoke Health Center names Hyde County native as CEO

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Jamie Tunnell Carter

Ocracoke Health Center Inc. has named Jamie Tunnell Carter as the organization’s next chief executive officer.

Carter, a Hyde County native, has been with Ocracoke Health Center since 2008, serving in several roles including front desk staff, billing manager, revenue cycle manager, and other key team leadership positions, the organization said in a press release.

She is a certified professional coder (CPC) and most recently she has served as interim CEO since April 2025.

Carter was born and raised in Swan Quarter, attended Mattamuskeet School, and lived on Ocracoke for 15 years.

She served as the Hyde County public information officer and was a member of the Deputy Control Group for Ocracoke during many adverse weather events.

She understands both the unique challenges and the beauty of Hyde County and takes great pride in her roots there.

“I am bringing the values I learned growing up in this beautiful place into our workplace and reflecting them in the care we provide,” said Carter. “My parents were strong influences, teaching me to be involved in our communities, schools, and churches, and to be a positive force for change. I hope my integrity, honesty, and passion are reflected in every aspect of the work I do.”

After earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and professional communications from Meredith College in 2002, Carter returned to Ocracoke.

A few years later, she joined the Ocracoke Health Center team at the front desk, working under longtime former CEO Cheryl Ballance until her retirement in 2021.

In addition to her education and training, Carter has dedicated her career to federally qualified health centers and the critical role they play in serving underserved populations.

She has represented the region in local, regional, and state forums and workgroups and is committed to continuing to grow and expand services in Hyde and Dare counties.

“Jamie Carter has shown amazing leadership since being appointed Interim CEO in April 2025 and as a result on January 29, the board of directors has promoted her to CEO,” said Sue Pentz, board chair. “Ms. Carter has been with our organization since 2008 and understands our mission of bringing quality, accessible, affordable community-based medical care to our communities. The board looks forward to Jamie’s continued commitment of helping our communities.”

Ocracoke Health Center, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit currently operating three primary care sites and 340B pharmacies in Engelhard, Ocracoke and Manteo, providing care to more than 3,000 patients across the service area.

Services include primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, 340B pharmacy services and coordinated referrals for specialty care such as dental and radiology.

For health center information, visit www.ocracokehealthcenter.org.

Portsmouth Island Homecoming canceled

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Portsmouth Homecoming 2022 Methodist Church. Photo: P. Vankevich/Ocracoke Observer

By Peter Vankevich

The Friends of Portsmouth Island have canceled this year’s Homecoming that was scheduled for April 25.

“As many of you know our Portsmouth Homecoming in April 2026 has been plagued with many obstacles and challenges,” said Connie Mason, FPI president, in a text message to members and posted on the FPI website. “These include Haul Over Dock badly damaged and no land transportation available for hauling equipment and people across the island.”

While the group worked closely with the Cape Lookout National Seashore, who made effort to make the event happen, she said their budgets and lack of equipment and manpower have been hampered by Mother Nature and “other outside forces.”

So, for safety reasons, the Friends board canceled this year’s event.

Acting Cape Lookout National Seashore Superintendent Catherine Cushinberry was asked for comments but had not responded by the time this was posted.

Portsmouth Island Homecoming is a biennial event held every two years in late April.

Organized by the nonprofit Friends of Portsmouth Island and Cape Lookout National Seashore, the FPI mission is to reunite descendants, preserve history and celebrate the island’s abandoned village.

In the past years, FPI volunteers have been active, working with the Seashore staff to repair damaged buildings in the village.

Homecoming originated as informal family gatherings in the late 1970s. It became official in the early 1980s under the National Park Service.

This is the second time in recent years that it was canceled. The other time was in 2020 due to post-Hurricane Dorian which in September 2019 ravaged the village followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event resumed in 2022 with the resilient theme “Portsmouth Rises.”

Homecoming 2024 drew more than 400 attendees. Most arrive from Ocracoke taking the 20-minute boat ride across Ocracoke Inlet in one of the flotilla of shuttling boats from Ocracoke.

Activities include a hymn sing in the Methodist Church, and an opportunity to visit the remaining homes, including that of Henry Pigott, the school, the Life-Saving Station and the post office.

Cape Lookout staff and FPI volunteers play the role as greeters and docents providing historical background.

Melissa Garrish Sharber, on assignment from Ocracoke’s post office, and Hatteras post office Postmaster Vivian Barnett have processed post cards and envelopes with the Portsmouth Island cancellation stamp in the past events.

A ceremony under a tent with remarks by dignitaries and a history of the island concludes with the traditional Roll Call of the Families that had descendants who are present briefly stand when their families were named. At its conclusion is a potluck luncheon.

Friends of Portsmouth Island (FPI) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in late 1989 under the Carteret County Historical Society to promote preservation of Portsmouth.

Details on early voting this week on Ocracoke; voter statistics

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By Peter Vankevich

Primary Election Day in North Carolina is Tuesday, March 3. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The winners of these primaries will appear on the ballot for the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The voter registration deadline for this primary was Feb. 9.

In North Carolina unaffiliated voters may choose either of the three ballots: Republican, Democrat or Unaffiliated. However, the Unaffiliated (Nonpartisan) ballot only has the question of the local sales tax referendum.

Early voting on Ocracoke will be held on only two days: Thursday, Feb. 19 and Friday, Feb. 20 in the Ocracoke Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Hwy.

Early voting on the mainland began Feb. 12 and continues through 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Hyde County Board of Elections in the Public Safety Building, 1223 Main St., Swan Quarter.

Sample ballots are below.

Notable statistics

According to the Hyde County Elections Office, as of Feb. 14, Hyde County has 3,002 registered voters, 796 of whom live on Ocracoke.

Countywide registration:
– Democrat: 1,170
– Republican: 719
– Unaffiliated: 1,100 
– Libertarian: 13 

Ocracoke registration:
– Democrat: 342
– Republican: 136 
– Unaffiliated: 312
– Libertarian: 6 

The N.C. Board of Elections provides daily updates on its website. As of Feb. 14 there are 7,716,225 registered voters statewide and 82,278 (absentee/early voter) have already voted for this primary:
– Democrat: 2,315,626 
– Republican: 2,324,573
– Unaffiliated: 3,024,800
– Libertarian: 46,724 
– Green: 4,502 

Who will go to Washington?

One of the highest-profile contests is for the U.S. Senate seat to replace retiring Republican Thom Tillis.

Democratic candidates:
– Daryl Farrow
– Justin E. Dues 
– Roy Cooper
– Robert Colo
– Marcus W. Williams
– Orrick Quick 

Republican candidates:
– Margot Dupre
– Richard Dansie
– Donald M. (Don) Brown 
– Michael Whatley 
– Elizabeth A. Temple 
– Michele Morrow 
– Thomas Johnson 

Republican voters are advised not to vote for U.S. Senate candidate Margot Dupre. The State Board of Elections has disqualified her, ruling that she is not a properly registered voter or a qualified primary candidate in North Carolina.

For U.S. House District 1, which includes Ocracoke, there are no Democratic candidates on the ballot because incumbent Donald Davis is unopposed. His name will be on the November ballot.

On the Republican ballot for District 1 are five candidates:
– Laurie Buckhout 
– Asa Buck
– Ashley-Nicole Russell
– Eric Rouse 
– Bobby Hanig 

Judges

Each of the party ballots include candidates vying for judge seats in regional courts. For information on the various judges, see Ballotpedia.org here.

Voting tips for the primary

Unaffiliated voters may choose a Democratic ballot, a Republican ballot, or a nonpartisan ballot. Other political parties have no primary contests.

All ballots will include a single local referendum: A proposed Hyde County Local Sales and Use Tax increase of one-quarter percent (0.25%), from 6.75% to 7%. Hyde County has issued an information release with background on this proposal.

Voter ID requirements

Voters must present a valid photo ID when voting in person. If you do not have a valid photo ID, you may obtain one from your county board of elections up through the end of the early voting period. Passports are acceptable.

If you do not have a valid photo ID on Election Day, you may still vote a ballot that will be counted by completing an affidavit of reasonable impediment (Photo ID Exception Form) explaining why you could not present ID. This form may also be used if you have a religious objection to being photographed or are a victim of a recently declared natural disaster.

Alternatively, if you vote without showing ID, you can return with your valid photo ID to your county board of elections by 5 p.m. on the ninth day after Election Day (the sixth day after Election Day for September or October local elections).

Absentee voting

In North Carolina, any eligible voter may request, receive, and cast an absentee ballot by mail. The absentee ballot request deadline for the March 2026 primary election is 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17.

Mail-in ballots must be received in the county election office by election day (March 3). So voters using this option are advised to mail in their ballots early.

According to N.C. State Board of Elections website, civilian absentee ballots that arrive at the county board of elections office after Election Day will not be counted. Ballots must be received at your county board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Election Day to be counted regardless of whether or not they include a postmark. The State Board recommends that voters mail their ballot early in order for it to arrive on or before Election Day.

 More information is available on the NCSBE website.

Ocracoke events Feb. 16 to 22–updated

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Ocracoke evening. Photo: C. Leinbach/Ocracoke Observer

Ocracoke Alive winter activities have begun. To see the full schedule, click here.

Monday, Feb. 16:
Ocracoke Alive: Spanish/English Coffee hour, 8:30 to 9:30 am. Ocracoke Library. Then every Monday through March 23

Ocracoke Alive: Self Care Workshop: Restorative Yoga and sound bath meditation with Savana Harwood. %:30 to 6:45 pm. Ocracoke Island Yoga Studio, Back Road.

Ocracoke Civic & Business Association meeting. 6 pm in the Community Center. The Ocracoke Access Alliance will talk about their visit to the N.C. Legislature and discuss challenges regarding long-term ferry funding sustainability.

Ocracoke Alive: Ocracoke ESL Spanish/English, 7 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Tuesday, Feb 17:
Ocracoke United Methodist Church Mardi Gras Pancake Dinner, 5 pm. Rec hall. See flyer below.

Ocracoke Alive: Yoga in Spanish. 6 pm. Deepwater Theater

Wednesday, Feb. 18:
Ocracoke Alive: Yoga in Spanish with Sarah Shellow, 8:30 to 9:30 am. Deepwater Theater.

Roanoke Island Animal Clinic sees patients in the Community Center. Call 252-473-3117 for an appointment.

Ocracoke Alive: Workshop: Play reading with Karen Dundore-Gulotta (Session 1—practice; assign parts), 6 to 8 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Ocracoke Waterways Commission meeting. 6:30 pm. Community Center.

Thursday, Feb. 19
Early voting for the March 3 primary; 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department

Ocracoke Alive: 9:30am – 10:30am. Ukulele/Guitar with Lou Castro. Deepwater Theater.

Ocracoke Alive: Creative Writing: Fiction with Sarah Shellow, 1 to 2:15pm. Deepwater Theater.

Ocracoke Planning Advisory Board with Hyde County will hold a public workshop for input on updating the Hyde County Land Use Plan, 5:30 pm. Community Center. 

Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD) meeting, Those wanting to become a volunteer are welcome, fire house, 822 Irvin Garrish Hwy, 6 pm.

Ocracoke Alive: Art: Shading with Kitty Mitchell, 6 to 8 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Friday, Feb 20:
Early voting for the March 3 primary; 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department

Greg Baker, IT analyst in the Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies at Duke University, will join on “What’s Happening on Ocracoke” to talk about what AI can do now and what might be coming next. 90.1 FM on the island and wovv.org

Ocracoke Tourism Development Authority meets. 9 am. Community Center.
Ocracoke Alive: Latin cardio dance class with Arturo. 6 pm. Community Center

Ocracoke Alive Workshop: Play reading with Karen Dundore-Gulotta (Session 2—run through & performance for audience), 6 to 8 pm. Deepwater Theater.

Saturday, Feb. 21:
The Wave youth gathering for K to 12. 5:30 to 8 pm. Life Saving Church

Sunday, Feb. 22:
Church services:
Ocracoke United Methodist Church, 11 am

Ocracoke Life Saving Church, 11 am

Stella Maris Chapel: Sunday Mass time at 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Go to Masstimes.org and type in the zip code 27960 but refresh your browser for it to work properly.

Ocracoke Alive: Our Stories Tell Us Who We Are: Storytelling by Donald Davis, 3 pm. Ocracoke Library.

Hyde County releases voter information guide on local sales tax referendum

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From our news services

Hyde County officials have released an educational Voter Information Guide to assist citizens in understanding the one-quarter cent (0.25%) local sales and use tax referendum appearing on the March 3 primary election ballot.

The ballot question will read: “Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other State and local sales and use taxes.”

As part of a commitment to fiscal transparency, the guide provides a factual breakdown of the proposed change, the specific items that would be impacted, and the Board of Commissioners’ intended use for the potential revenue.

Why is this on the ballot?
Hyde County currently relies heavily on property taxes to fund essential services. However, as a major coastal and hunting destination, the county experiences a significant increase in demand for Public Safety and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during the tourist seasons.

Hyde County Manager Kris Cahoon Noble gave the following statement about the referendum:

“With the beauty and natural landscapes in Hyde County, it is no wonder that tourism is a staple of our economy. With the influx of visitors each year comes additional expenses at a local level, particularly costs to provide reliable Public Safety Services.

“Providing emergency medical services, law enforcement, and emergency management to our residents and visitors accounted for the single largest sector of the total county budget, 30%, in the fiscal year 2025-26.

“Currently, property owners carry the primary burden of Public Safety costs. The Sales Tax Referendum, if successful, would generate revenue from our visitors as well. Distributing the costs of Public Safety will decrease the burden to our property owners while more equitably funding these essential services.”

Key facts for voters:

•  The change: If approved, the local sales tax would increase by $0.0025 (one-quarter of a penny) per dollar spent. This moves the total sales tax rate from 6.75% to 7.00%.

•  The cost: The increase amounts to one penny for every $4 spent, or 25 cents on a $100 purchase.

•  Essential exemptions: By North Carolina law, the following items are EXEMPT from this tax:
Groceries (Unprepared food)
Gasoline
Prescription medications

Intended use: The Hyde County Board of Commissioners stated they intend to use the revenue for Public Safety (EMS and Sheriff) and Hyde County Schools.

Where to find more information
To ensure every voter has access to the facts before heading to the polls, the county has launched a dedicated information portal on the official county website. The portal includes a frequently asked questions
page, a sales tax calculation table, and additional details.

Important election dates
In-Person Early Voting: Feb. 12 to 3 pm Feb. 28, Hyde County Board of Elections site, in the Public Safety Building, 1223 Main St., Swan Quarter
Ocracoke just two days, Thursday, Feb.19 , Friday, Feb. 20, 8 am to 5 pm, Ocracoke Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Hwy
Primary Election Day: Tuesday, March 3

For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/hyde-tax or email pio@hydecountync.gov

Hyde County to seek input on Land Use Plan

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Hyde County, in conjunction with the Ocracoke Planning Advisory Board, is hosting a public workshop for input on updating the Hyde County Land Use Plan at 5:30 pm on Thursday, Feb. 19, in the Community Center. 

Hyde County Manager Kris Cahoon Noble is looking for as much community participation and input as possible.

In North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties, land use plans (LUPs) serve as legally mandated “blueprints” for how a community manages growth while protecting fragile coastal resources. These plans are required by the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) and are used by the state to determine whether development projects can move forward.

The following will be discussed.
Key Impacts for coastal counties

  • Permit decisions: Every proposed project must be consistent with the local land use plan. If a project contradicts the plan’s policies, the Division of Coastal Management (DCM) cannot issue a CAMA permit.
  • Protection of resources: Plans include specific maps and policies to safeguard environmental assets like wetlands, estuarine shorelines, and forests.
  • Growth management: They designate where different types of development (residential, commercial, industrial) should occur to prevent urban sprawl and manage infrastructure capacity.
  • Hazard mitigation: Plans address how to reduce risks from natural hazards, such as storm surges and shoreline erosion.

Core elements of the plans
Coastal land use plans must follow North Carolina Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) guidelines, ensuring they address the following:

  • Public Access: Policies to ensure continued public access to beaches and waters.
  • Water Quality: Strategies to manage stormwater runoff and protect coastal surface waters.
  • Land Use Compatibility: Ensuring new developments do not conflict with existing natural or cultural areas.
  • Infrastructure: Planning for necessary services like wastewater and transportation to support future growth.

Why they matter to property owners
For residents and developers, these plans are not just suggestions; they act as the foundation for local zoning ordinances, the Ocracoke Development Ordinance and budgeting decisions. Failure to comply with these local regulations can lead to project denials, fines, or legal enforcement. 

Governor Stein, DEQ announce cost-saving energy program now available in all 100 counties 

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Previously reported: Coming soon to Ocracoke: Big help to lower your energy bills

From our news services

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Energy Saver North Carolina program is now available in all 100 North Carolina counties, empowering eligible households to lower their energy bills.

Residents can now check eligibility and apply for rebates to lower their electricity costs by making their homes more energy efficient. More than $200 million is available for home efficiency upgrades. 

An eligible household can receive up to $16,000 in rebates for energy efficiency improvements such as heat pump heating and cooling systems and insulation, and initial estimates show a household could achieve nearly $1,000 in energy savings over the course of a year. Additional rebates of up to $14,000 are available for high efficiency electrical appliances such as water heaters and electric cooktops. 

“Electricity bills are too high, and I am committed to doing everything I can to lower your costs,” said Gov. Josh Stein.“North Carolina is expanding Energy Saver NC to all 100 counties. Now, eligible families across the state will be able to lower their energy bills about $1,000 a year on average and improve the comfort and safety of their homes. These upgrades also strengthen our energy system, help our environment, and support good-paying jobs in communities statewide.”

“North Carolina is the first state in the nation to fully launch the Energy Saver program,” said DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson. “Now that the program is available across the state, eligible North Carolina families can lower their utility bills by up to $80 per month, and their homes will be more comfortable. These energy-saving steps will also reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality while supporting more than 2,000 jobs for the contractors doing the installations. That’s a win all the way around for North Carolina.”

“The DEQ State Energy Office (SEO) is committed to ensuring a sustainable energy future for North Carolinians, and in just a year, we’ve met a critical goal to make that happen: Energy Saver NC is operating in all NC counties,” said Julie Woosley, SEO Director. “This program makes energy efficiency accessible to North Carolinians who need it most, helping to lower their energy costs and make their homes more comfortable while also increasing our state’s resilience and energy independence. Although we’ve reached this milestone, we still have a lot of work to do, and we look forward to signing up more families and watching the benefits flow from this program.” 

Last January, DEQ launched Energy Saver NC in a limited number of counties and added more counties throughout the year.

The last two counties added were Wake and Mecklenburg, so now the rebates are available in all 100 counties.

Since launch, initial estimates show Energy Saver NC has installed $777,000 worth of rebate-eligible projects in 51 households. However, the program is receiving and approving applications every day. Energy Saver NC has received more than 4,800 applications, with more than 1,700 applications approved and working through the rebate reservation process.  

The funding for Energy Saver NC comes from two U.S Department of Energy rebate programs designed to help families make their homes more energy-efficient and make their utility bills more affordable:    

  • Homeowners Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) – Offers eligible households up to $16,000 for home efficiency upgrades, such as air sealing or energy-efficient HVAC units. 
  • Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) – Provides up to $14,000 for high-efficiency electrical appliances such as heat pump water heaters and electric stoves. 

North Carolina is the first state in the nation to fully launch both rebate types at the same time and now celebrates making both available in all 100 counties in one year.   

Why it matters 

By helping eligible families improve their homes with energy-efficient upgrades, the program:  

  • Reduces power bills – Initial estimates show households will realize approximately $945 in energy savings over the course of a year. 
  • Reduces household energy usage – Energy Saver NC generated an estimated 293,000 kWH in annual energy savings for households in 2025.     
  • Supports resilience and safety – Upgrades make homes resilient and improve home comfort and safety, especially during extreme weather. 
  • Strengthens grid reliability – Reduced household energy usage supports the reliability of our state’s power grid by reducing energy demand and strain on the grid. 
  • Supports local jobs that keep investing in the community – The program has more than 50 approved and trusted contractors, with more being added every day. 

Who is eligible?  

Rebates are based on household income and projected energy savings. Rebates include: 

  • Full Rebates – Up to 100% of project costs covered by the rebate up to a certain amount. Available for single-family homeowners or renters earning less than 80% of their Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.  
  • Partial Rebates – Up to 50% of project costs covered by the rebate up to a certain amount. Available for moderate-income homeowners or renters earning 80% to 150% of the AMI. 

For a breakdown of income eligibility, visit the AMI Income Summary. 

Rebates also depend on project type and can be for amounts up to: 

  • $8,000 for a space heating and cooling heat pump. 
  • $4,000 for an electric load service center (electric panel). 
  • $2,500 for electric wiring. 
  • $1,750 for a heat pump water heater. 
  • $1,600 for insulation, air sealing, and ventilation. 
  • $840 for a heat pump clothes dryer and/or electric stove, cooktop, range, or oven. 

The rebate amount is paid to the contractor after the project is complete. Residents are responsible only for any remaining costs after rebate amounts are applied. 

What to expect 

Once income eligibility is confirmed, households applying for rebates will receive a free home energy assessment. During the visit, a certified assessor will evaluate a home’s energy use and recommend improvements that will save families the most money. 

All upgrades must be completed by an Energy Saver NC-approved contractor. Contractors are registered, licensed professionals specially trained in energy-efficiency installations. These partnerships not only ensure quality work but also create new business opportunities, local jobs, and economic growth within North Carolina. 

After reviewing contractor quotes, households approve the projects and pricing with the rebate applied. Once the Energy Saver NC program team gives final approval, contractors complete the work, helping families start saving on their energy bills right away. 

To learn more about Energy Saver NC, visit energysavernc.org. 

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