Wisconsin Rolls Out Home Energy Rebates Program

Wisconsin has become the first state in the U.S. to roll out the home efficiency subprogram (HOMES) of the Home Energy Rebates Program, an $8.8 billion federal scheme funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to lower energy costs for households and minimize their emissions.

Governor Tony Evers​​​’ administration is offering $149 million in rebates for “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 Department of Energy (DOE) said in a statement.

Residents need to undergo an assessment administered by a licensed energy auditor to determine their home’s efficiency upgrade needs and establish an estimate for energy savings from each upgrade. Along with the household income, the amount of estimated energy savings determines rebate amounts.

For single-family households, rebates are up to $10,000 for those who earn less than 80 percent of their area median income (AMI), up to $4,000 for those making 80 percent to less than 150 percent of their AMI and up to $3,000 for those making 150 percent of their AMI or above.

“Multifamily properties are also eligible”, the DOE said. “Rental units with low-income tenants are eligible for up to $10,000 in rebates, depending on estimated energy reductions”.

The DOE requires states and territories to allot at least half of the rebates to households earning 80 percent or less of their AMI.

Wisconsin has received a total of $150 million from the IRA for the state’s Home Energy Rebates Program. The state expects to launch the other portion of the program, Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR), later this year. “Through the HEAR program, Wisconsinites can receive up to $14,000 off high-efficiency electric appliances and other energy-efficient home upgrades”, the DOE said.

“Home energy rebates will help both reduce emissions and lower energy costs for Wisconsin families using tried-and-true insulation, heat pumps, and efficient appliances and lighting”, said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. 

The DOE has now awarded $1.2 billion in total for the Home Energy Rebates Program. So far 10 states have launched one or both of the subprograms: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.  

“Between now and September, Home Energy Rebates are expected to become available in several more states”, the DOE said.

The DOE estimates that the Home Energy Rebates Program can save $1 billion a year in energy costs. “Many Americans spend a large portion of their monthly income to heat, cool and power their homes — with some of the lowest-income families spending upwards of 30 percent of their income on energy bills”, it said. “Overall, by participating in the Home Energy Rebate programs, individual households could save up to $14,000 for energy-efficient home upgrades and hundreds more on monthly energy bills”.

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