Last Friday, Governor Evers joined U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) Chairperson Summer Strand in Milwaukee to announce the launch of the Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) Program. Wisconsin is the first state in the nation to launch the HOMES Program to deliver rebates to households undertaking whole-home, energy-saving improvements under the new program.
Under the HOMES Program , $74.8 million will be available to support whole-home energy efficiency improvements, including insulation, air sealing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades. All Wisconsin households are eligible for HOMES, including multifamily buildings. Beginning August 1, 2024, interested households can verify eligibility status and locate a registered contractor. By early September, households will be able to submit rebate requests through the online portal on the Focus on Energy website. More information about HOMES rebates and eligibility is available here.
According to DOE, residents will first complete a 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.
For single-family homes, rebates will range between:
- Up to $10,000 for those making less than 80 percent of their area median income (AMI).
- Up to $4,000 for those making between 80 percent to 150 percent AMI.
- Up to $3,000 for those making at or above 150 percent AMI.
DOE states that multifamily properties are also eligible. Rental units with low-income tenants are eligible for up to $10,000 in rebates, depending on estimated energy reductions.