Wisconsin Launches First U.S. Home Energy Rebates Program With Federal Support

As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced that Wisconsin has initiated its first Home Energy Rebates program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act. Wisconsin is the first state in the nation to launch the Home Efficiency (HOMES) portion of the rebate program, aimed at enabling households, especially those with lower incomes, to save on energy efficiency improvements like insulation, air sealing, and heat pumps.

The initiative is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to provide $8.8 billion in federal funding to states, territories, and Tribes to lower energy costs and increase efficiency in American homes. The program is expected to save American households up to $1 billion annually in energy costs and support around 50,000 jobs in residential construction, manufacturing, and other sectors. These investments also advance the President’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the benefits of federal climate and clean energy investments flow to disadvantaged communities.

U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm praised Wisconsin’s leadership, stating, “The Biden-Harris administration is helping families save energy and money, and we’re not slowing down. 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.”

John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy, emphasized the environmental and financial benefits for Wisconsin families, saying, “Home energy rebates for clean and energy-efficient appliances and upgrades are good for the planet and will lower energy bills for Wisconsin families.”

White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi highlighted the broader impact of the program, noting, “Home energy rebates will help reduce emissions and lower energy costs for Wisconsin families. This $149 million infusion will help Governor Evers’ HOMES and HEAR program reach tens of thousands more folks, strengthening the partnership between the Biden-Harris and Evers administrations to deliver utility bill savings across the state.”

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers expressed enthusiasm for the program, saying, “Together, these programs will save folks and families up to $1 billion every year in energy costs and support roughly 50,000 jobs. We don’t have to choose between protecting the environment and economic development—we can do both.”

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin Chairperson Summer Strand echoed the benefits of the program, adding, “The Home Energy Rebate programs are a win-win for Wisconsin, and we are excited to begin deployment to help households save energy, save money, and support our workforce.”

The Inflation Reduction Act provided Wisconsin with nearly $150 million for its Home Energy Rebate programs. The state is also set to launch its Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program later this year, offering up to $14,000 off high-efficiency electric appliances and other energy-efficient home upgrades.

For more information on Wisconsin’s Home Energy Rebate programs, visit Focus on Energy’s Home Energy Rebates website. The DOE continues to award funds to states for similar programs, with more states expected to launch their rebates by September. You can track the status of state programs at energy.gov/save/rebates.