Every October in Wisconsin, the seasons start to change, and we brace ourselves for the cold days ahead. Preparing our homes now can help us stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter months.
Recently, Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed October 2nd as Energy Efficiency Day to raise awareness of energy efficiency home improvements that can help Wisconsinites save energy and save money. This year, it’s even easier to make upgrades and save with the new Home Energy Rebate programs.
The Biden-Harris Administration established two Home Energy Rebate programs to help households undertake whole-home, energy-saving improvements, and access instant discounts on purchases of efficient electric appliances and equipment for the home.
In August, I proudly joined Gov. Evers, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm, and White House officials to announce the launch of the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) Program in Wisconsin. We are the first state in the nation to launch the HOMES Program, which provides rebates of up to $10,000 to eligible single-family and multifamily homes to reduce the cost of whole-home energy saving projects, such as the installation of insulation and efficient heating/cooling equipment.
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program, will provide instant discounts of up to $14,000 to eligible households that install energy efficient electric equipment and appliances, including heat pumps and electric stoves. Wisconsin is preparing to launch the HEAR Program later this year.
These Home Energy Rebates programs are a win-win-win for Wisconsin. They help households save energy, lower energy bills, and support Wisconsin’s workforce. The DOE anticipates these programs will create approximately 50,000 jobs nationwide as demand rises for trained professionals who perform these projects and install this equipment. By taking advantage of these rebates, Wisconsinites can create immediate and long-term savings while supporting the economy.
Wisconsin is well-positioned to roll out the Home Energy Rebate programs thanks to Focus on Energy, the state’s established energy efficiency program for over 20 years. Leveraging Focus on Energy’s proven track record of delivering energy efficiency programs and rebates to residents and businesses empowers us to expeditiously and effectively deploy HOMES and HEAR rebates to households across the state. The Focus on Energy website includes a one-stop shop where it takes about 20 minutes to get pre-qualified to participate in these programs.
The Home Energy Rebate Programs are not the only ways to save on home energy projects. Your household may be eligible for other available rebates, discounts, and incentives through existing Focus on Energy programs, for Weatherization Assistance Program benefits administered by the state, and/or for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and financing. To access a full list of customized resources you may be eligible for, please visit focusonenergy.com/get-started and answer a few simple questions.
The new Home Energy Rebate programs offer an exciting opportunity for Wisconsin households to save energy and save money. Let’s celebrate Energy Efficiency Day by learning more at focusonenergy.com/home-energy-rebates.
