State guide

Heat Pump Water Heaters in Rhode Island

Heat pumps are a strong investment in Rhode Island. Estimated savings: $1080/yr vs a standard electric tank.

$1080/yr savings/2.2 yr payback/2 rebate programs/29.4¢/kWh (63% above avg)

Utility rebates available now. Rhode Island's IRA HEAR program does not cover heat pump water heaters.

Running cost Rebates Best fits

Score breakdown: 77/100

Savings

55/55

Rebates

8/20

Climate

8/15

Install

6/10

RatingPlate Score. Based on EIA energy prices, ENERGY STAR data, state rebate programs, and permit research. Not a government rating or purchasing recommendation. FAQ

Rhode Island electricity is 63% above the national average. Here's what that means for heat pump operating costs.

Running cost in Rhode Island

At Rhode Island's 29.4¢/kWh electricity rate, the most efficient heat pump water heater saves an estimated $1080 per year compared to a standard electric tank.

Rhode Island electricity

29.4¢

per kWh (EIA, 12-month avg. through Aug 2026)

US average

18.0¢

per kWh

Best HP annual cost

$245

A. O. Smith HPTS-50-2

Electric resistance

$1325

~4,500 kWh/yr baseline

Colder inlet water (52°F annual average, 41°F in winter) means the heat pump works harder than DOE test conditions assume (58°F). Real-world efficiency will be slightly lower than rated UEF, and winter operating costs will be higher than the annual average.

Heat pump vs gas tank in Rhode Island

At Rhode Island prices (29.4¢/kWh electricity, $1.98/therm gas), a heat pump costs about $91 less per year to run than a standard gas tank, on the same DOE rated hot water load. See replacing a gas water heater in 2026 and all 50 states compared.

Heat pump

$252/yr

855 kWh/yr (median 50-gal)

Gas tank

$343/yr

173 therms/yr (UEF 0.64)

Difference

$91/yr

heat pump cheaper

Both use the DOE medium draw test load (55 gallons a day). Gas price: EIA, 12-month avg. through Aug 2026. Replacing gas with a heat pump also means adding a 240V circuit (or choosing a 120V model) and a condensate drain, and the federal HEAR rebate no longer covers gas replacements.

Why Rhode Island changes the call

01Energy cost

Rhode Island electricity is 63% above the national average. That directly affects how much a heat pump saves compared to a standard electric tank.

02Climate impact

Incoming water averages 52°F annually and drops to about 41°F in winter. Colder water means the heat pump works harder and real efficiency is slightly lower than rated.

03Available incentives

State and utility rebates can significantly change the payback period. Check what's currently available before finalizing your decision.

Rebates in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has 2 rebate programs as of November 2026.

The federal $2,000 tax credit (IRA Section 25C) expired December 31, 2025. State and utility rebates listed below may still be available. Verify current status at the links provided.

Rhode Island Energy Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate

Up to $625

Who: Rhode Island Energy
Eligibility: Rhode Island Energy residential electric customer. Must replace an existing electric water heater or be the first water heater in a new home; not available when replacing oil, propane, or gas units. UEF 3.3 or higher for 55 gallons or less. Installed by a licensed plumber. Purchased and installed January 1 to December 31, 2026.
https://rienergy.com/site/-/media/rie-jss-app/home/ways-to-save/rebates-and-savings-programs/gas-water-heating/HPWH_2026_3-11-2026.pdf

Clean Heat Rhode Island Heat Pump Water Heater Incentive

$2,500 per system

Who: Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (Clean Heat Rhode Island)
Eligibility: Household income below 150% of State Median Income. Existing primary water heater must use natural gas, propane, or oil. ENERGY STAR certified, UEF 3.30 or higher (2.20 for 120-volt or split-system units). Must use a Clean Heat RI Heat Pump Installer Network installer. Installed on or after July 21, 2025.
https://cleanheatri.com/resources/incentives/

IRA HEAR Rebate (Point-of-Sale)

Status: Active in Rhode Island, but no heat pump water heater rebate is offered as of November 2026.
Rhode Island launched its IRA HEAR program in September 2024 through Community Action Agencies and added a retail pathway pilot for low- and moderate-income households in 11 municipalities in May 2026. As of the program's 2026 materials, Rhode Island HEAR covers electric cooking appliances, heat pump clothes dryers, electrical wiring, and electric panel upgrades. It does not include heat pump water heaters, which are covered by Clean Heat Rhode Island instead.

Install requirements in Rhode Island

Electrical

Dedicated 240V, 30A circuit (most models). Some newer 120V plug-in models exist but most residential units require 240V. Check the unit's nameplate for exact requirements.

Condensate drain

Heat pump water heaters produce condensate during operation. A condensate drain line to an approved location (floor drain, condensate pump, or exterior) is required.

Air space

Approximately 700 cubic feet of surrounding air (roughly a 10x10x7-foot room). The heat pump extracts heat from surrounding air. Insufficient air volume reduces efficiency and can cause the unit to underperform. Some manufacturers allow ducting to supplement air supply in smaller spaces.

Noise

Heat pump water heaters produce operational noise similar to a window AC unit (45-55 dB). Consider placement away from bedrooms.

Best fits for Rhode Island

A smaller set of representative fits using Rhode Island's 29.4¢/kWh rate. Curated to show different trade-offs instead of listing every published model on every state page. See the full heat pump lineup.

Lowest running cost

A. O. Smith

HPTS-50-2

Lowest annual bill at this state's electricity rate.

$245/yr 46 gal UEF 3.80 63" tall

Best efficiency

GE Profile

PH80S10BPY01

Highest UEF in the published lineup.

$332/yr 80 gal UEF 4.40 76.375" tall

50-gallon sweet spot

Bradford White

RE2HP50-1NCTT

Common replacement size for 1 to 3 people.

$246/yr 45 gal UEF 3.89 64.125" tall

Large-household pick

Noritz

NHP120

Higher first-hour rating for heavier simultaneous demand.

$432/yr 109 gal UEF 3.38 85" tall

Tight-space pick

Bradford White

RE2H50S

Shortest cabinet among the published options.

$278/yr 45 gal UEF 3.44 59.1875" tall

Prefer to buy online? The 46-gallon Rinnai REHP50BM is a heat pump available on Amazon.

Check price and availability: Rinnai REHP50BM on Amazon (paid link)

Common questions: Rhode Island

Is a heat pump water heater worth it in Rhode Island?

Yes. Rhode Island scores A on RatingPlate's analysis, with estimated savings of $1080 per year compared to a standard electric tank. Payback on the higher upfront cost is roughly 2.2 years before rebates.

What rebates are available for heat pump water heaters in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island has 2 rebate programs. Rhode Island's IRA HEAR program is active but does not currently offer a heat pump water heater rebate. Verify utility program amounts and eligibility at the links in the rebates section above.

How much does a heat pump water heater cost to run in Rhode Island?

At Rhode Island's electricity rate of 29.4 cents per kWh, the most efficient heat pump water heater costs about $245/yr to run. A standard electric tank costs about $1324 per year.

Do I need a permit for a heat pump water heater in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island does not have unusual state-level requirements beyond standard plumbing and mechanical permits. Check with your local building department for jurisdiction-specific rules.

What is the payback period for a heat pump water heater in Rhode Island?

Without rebates, the payback period in Rhode Island is approximately 2.2 years based on $1080 in annual savings versus a standard electric tank. With available rebates, payback could be significantly shorter.

Your next click

All heat pump modelsCompare specs across brands Back to homepageCompare other types or find a specific model Lowest cost: A. O. Smith$245/yr in Rhode Island Sizing guideWhat size do you need? Replacement cost guideEquipment, labor, and hidden costs Heat pump vs gas tanklessCompare technologies across fuel types

Sources

Electricity and natural gas rates: U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential sector (EIA, 12-month avg. through Aug 2026).

Rebate data compiled from state energy offices, utility program pages, DSIRE, and ENERGY STAR. Rebate amounts and eligibility change frequently. Verify at listed program URLs.

Inlet water temperatures estimated from NOAA climate normals using the Burch-Christensen mains water temperature model (NREL).

Model specifications from ENERGY STAR certified product data and manufacturer spec sheets.

Page updated November 1, 2026. Data freshness varies by source.

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