Why it matters to you
With the federal 25C tax credit ended for 2026 installations, utility programs and rotating Daikin manufacturer rebates are now the main ways Lowcountry homeowners reduce the cost of new equipment. Which programs you can use depends entirely on which utility bills your electricity.
Practical guidance
Confirm your electric provider, then check that program's current terms before you buy — amounts and tiers change. Keep the contractor's detailed invoice and submit the application within the program's deadline; Dominion, for example, requires submission within 90 days of installation.
Which utility rebate applies to my Charleston-area home?
It depends on who bills your electricity. Dominion Energy South Carolina customers use its EnergyWise heating and cooling rebates; Berkeley Electric Cooperative members, common on Johns Island, Daniel Island, and in Goose Creek and Moncks Corner, have its dual-fuel rebate; Santee Cooper customers have its Smart Energy Existing Homes heat pump rebates. A contractor can confirm your utility from your service address.
What equipment usually qualifies for a utility rebate?
Heat pumps have the most support across all three Charleston-area utilities. Dominion also lists rebates for qualifying ENERGY STAR central air conditioners, ENERGY STAR heat pump water heaters, and duct sealing or duct insulation. Standard tank water heaters and like-for-like gas furnace swaps have little rebate support in this market.
What paperwork do utility rebate programs require?
The common pattern is installation by a licensed contractor, a detailed installation invoice, and an application submitted within a deadline. Santee Cooper additionally requires an approved Trade Ally contractor, and Dominion's duct sealing rebate requires before-and-after duct leakage testing. A missed document can cost you the rebate, so line up requirements before installation day.
Can I combine a utility rebate with a Daikin rebate and financing?
Often, yes. Utility rebates come from your electric provider, Daikin's rotating rebates come from the manufacturer, and Goodleap financing is a payment method rather than an incentive, so they generally don't conflict. Each program has its own equipment rules, so confirm your specific system qualifies for each before signing.
Are there South Carolina state rebates for heat pumps?
Not yet. The SC Energy Office is preparing the federally funded HOMES and HEAR rebate programs, expected to launch during 2026, with HEAR expected to cover heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. Applications were not open as of July 2026, so check energy.sc.gov/rebates before counting on them in a budget.
