Wisconsin the First State in the Country to Launch Federally-Funded Energy Rebate Programs

Friday, August 9th, 2024 -- 8:01 AM

(Joe Schulz, Wisconsin Public Radio) Wisconsin became the first state in the country last week to launch one of two federally-funded energy rebate programs that will help households save money on energy efficiency upgrades.

According to Joe Schulz with Wisconsin Public Radio, the Home Efficiency Rebates, or HOMES, program offers rebates for energy-efficient home improvements like insulation or more efficient heating and cooling equipment.

The size of the rebates are determined by a household’s income level and projected savings. Another program, Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, or HEAR, will launch later this year aimed at helping low- to moderate-income households save money on energy upgrades.

Both HOMES and HEAR will be administered by Focus on Energy, which has a digital tool to help customers calculate savings. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the programs will help families across the country save roughly $1 billion annually and support 50,000 domestic jobs.

The agency says Wisconsin is slated to receive $149 million from the Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, for both programs. That’s just a fraction of the federal dollars to come into Wisconsin since 2021.

A White House official told reporters Tuesday that $7 billion in federal investment under the Biden administration had been allocated to Wisconsin. Wisconsin is the first state in the country to launch the HOMES program, while New York was the first to launch the HEAR program.

“Wisconsin is leading the pack of states building up their local workforce and keeping money in the pockets of their residents, all thanks to the Investing in America agenda,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in a statement.

The HOMES program requires households to complete an energy assessment. Low income households will be eligible for a rebate to cover part of the cost of the energy assessment.

For single-family homes, the Energy Department says rebates will range from $10,000 for families making less than 80 percent of their area’s median income, $4,000 for those making between 80 and 150 percent of the median income and $3,000 for those making 150 percent or more.

The Department of Energy said multifamily properties are also eligible. Officials said rental units with low-income tenants are eligible for up to $10,000 in rebates, depending on estimated energy reductions.

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