The City of Olympia has contracted with Tumwater-based Thermal Supply Inc. and Ferguson Enterprises to deliver discounted heat pump equipment to homeowners across Thurston County, as the regional Energize Thurston program kicked off its second year on Monday, Aug. 17.

Local HVAC and plumbing contractors are part of the deal. The two distributors will oversee a roster of qualified installers serving the program countywide, according to the Nisqually Valley News.

Thermal Supply operates a branch at 715 78th Ave. SW in Tumwater. Ferguson runs an HVAC supply store in Olympia.

What's available now

Phase 1, which opened Aug. 17, gives all Thurston County residents access to equipment discounts on heat pumps for space heating, cooling and water heating, plus free site assessments from certified installers. Homeowners already on the program's waitlist from last year can receive subsidized installations immediately.

Bigger subsidies coming in October

Phase 2, expected to launch in October, will accept new applicants with household incomes below 120% of the Thurston County area median income. Qualifying households may receive funds covering 80–100% of equipment and installation costs.

The money is real. South Puget Sound Habitat for Humanity was awarded $4.17 million in grants for 2026–2027. The largest share, $3.07 million, comes from the Washington State Department of Commerce's Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate program. Another $750,000 comes from Puget Sound Energy's Residential Decarbonization Program, and $350,000 from Washington State University's Community Energy Efficiency Program. The Commerce and PSE grants are both funded through Washington's Climate Commitment Act.

First-year results and what's ahead

Thurston County Board of Commissioners Chair Tye Menser said in a news release that the partnership secured more grant funding than last year. "Last year, local homeowners installed 227 new heat pump systems, saving each household thousands of dollars, and we're anticipating the savings will only grow as this program expands," Menser said.

How to sign up

Energize Thurston is a regional initiative of the Thurston Climate Mitigation Collaborative, a partnership among Thurston County, Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. Homeowners can register for a free workshop, find certified installers or schedule a site assessment at www.energizethurston.org. The program contact is Rebecca Harvey, climate mitigation senior program manager for Thurston County Community Planning and Economic Development, at 360-463-8181 or [email protected].