Wisconsin introduces the Energy Rebate Program to boost efficiency and savings

The Home Efficiency (HOMES) portion of the rebate program aims to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes. Wisconsin is the first state to launch the program.

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced Wisconsin has launched its first home energy rebate program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Wisconsin is the first state in the nation to launch the Home Efficiency (HOMES) portion of the rebate program, enabling households at all income levels, with an emphasis on lower-income households, to save on the installation of heat pumps.

Wisconsin is launching the HOMES program, part of the $8.8 billion federal funding initiative to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes. The program, part of the Federal Home Energy Rebate programs, aims to make it cheaper to install cost-saving measures like heat pumps, electrical panels, and insulation.

A licensed energy auditor conducts a home energy assessment to determine the home’s upgrade needs and estimated energy savings. Low-income households can receive a rebate to cover the cost of the assessment, based on their income and estimated energy savings.

The IRA provided Wisconsin with nearly $150 million for its Home Energy Rebate programs. Wisconsin expects to launch its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program 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.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said, “The HOMES and forthcoming HEAR programs will go a long way in lowering costs for important energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades for households across the nation and here in Wisconsin. Together, these programs will save people and families up to $1 billion every year in energy costs and support roughly 50,000 jobs. This is proof that we don’t have to choose between protecting the environment, economic development, and creating jobs; we can and are doing both.

The DOE has now awarded $1.2 billion to states to implement home energy rebate programs. Ten states have received full funding from the DOE to launch one or both rebate programs: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin. Although New York and Wisconsin are the only two states that currently have rebates available,

John Podesta, senior advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, said, “Home energy rebates for clean and energy-efficient appliances and upgrades are good for the planet because they help cut pollution. But more importantly, they are good for Wisconsin families because they will save money by lowering their energy bills. Congratulations to Wisconsin for being the second state in the nation to make these game-changing Inflation Reduction Act incentives available to their residents.”

Source: https://www.achrnews.com/