Meeting Electrification, Decarbonization Goals through Heat Pump Water Heating

Water heating is the second largest energy expense in the U.S. accounting for about 18 percent of the average home’s energy use. Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs) are a proven technology which are up to four times more efficient than standard models and can support the growing demands of electrification and decarbonization policies, and states’ energy efficiency goals.

Eversource is deploying innovative and effective incentive delivery strategies across its territories (Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire) to promote market transformation and to overcome well-known barriers such as lack of technology awareness among customers and installers; upfront equipment costs; plumbing distributors and retail stores neglecting to stock equipment; and emergency replacements. In 2023, Eversource’s HPWH incentive program experienced an over 135 percent increase in rebate activity in Massachusetts compared to the previous year, and almost 40 percent conversion from oil, natural gas, and propane water heaters – clear indicators that this technology is effective in encouraging customers to embrace electrification. HPWHs have the potential to target state-specific electrification and decarbonization goals and policies and combat the negative effects of climate change.