Wisconsin launches first home energy rebates program

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- The U.S. Department of Energy announced Friday Wisconsin has launched its first Home Energy Rebates program, and is the first state in the nation to launch the program's Home Efficiency portion.

The DOE said the program will enable households at all income levels, with an emphasis on lower-income households, to save on energy efficiency improvements such as insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps that reduce whole-home energy consumption. The energy-saving measures will save American households up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and support jobs in construction, manufacturing, and other sectors.

The DOE said Wisconsin’s launch is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s nationwide initiative to provide $8.8 billion in federal funding for states, territories, and tribes to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes. The initiative works by making it cheaper to install cost-saving measures such as heat pumps, electrical panels, and insulation. These investments also advance the President’s Justice40 Initiative , which sets a goal that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.

In terms of Wisconsin, the DOE said the HOMES program will require residents to first complete a free home energy assessment provided by a licensed energy auditor to determine the home’s upgrade needs and establish the estimated energy savings each upgrade would provide. Low-income households are eligible for a rebate to help cover the cost of the home energy assessment. Rebate amounts are based on household income and the amount of estimated energy savings.

The DOE said multi-family properties are also eligible. Rental units with low-income tenants are eligible for up to $10,000 in rebates, depending on estimated energy reductions. For more information on Wisconsin's program, visit Focus On Energy's Home Energy Rebates website .

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