WISCONSIN — Wisconsin is launching its first home energy rebates program, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced Friday morning. 

Additionally, Wisconsin is the first state to launch the Home Efficiency (HOMES) portion of its rebate program. Through the HOMES program, Wisconsin families of all income levels will be able to save money on energy efficiency updates to their homes — such as insulation, air sealing and heat pumps — that would lower “whole-home energy consumption.”

Wisconsinites who want to participate in the HOMES program will need to complete a home energy assessment. The assessment is provided by a licensed energy auditor. While the assessment does cost money, low-income households could receive rebates to cover the fee.

The assessment will determine what energy efficiency upgrades the home needs, as well as estimate the savings per each upgrade.

After a project is decided upon, and then reviewed, rebate payments will be made.

Single-family Wisconsin households who make less than 80% of the area median income could receive up to $10,000 in rebates.

Single-family Wisconsin households who make 80% to 150% of the area median income could receive up to $4,000 in rebates.

Single-family Wisconsin households who make150% of the area median income or higher could receive up to $3,000 in rebates.

Rental units that house low-income tenants are eligible for up to $10,000 in rebates. Multifamily properties are also eligible.

According to the White House, families who participate in home energy rebate programs can save hundreds each month on energy bills.

Half of the rebates in Wisconsin — and in similar programs around the U.S. — will be allocated for low-income households. DOE said it defined “low-income” as any household who earns “80% or less of their area median income, which is expected to benefit many households in disadvantaged communities.”

The new program is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s nationwide funding for states, territories and Tribes to lower energy costs and increase efficiency. The initiative prioritizes making it less expensive to install cost-saving items such as heat pumps, electrical panels and insulation.

Wisconsin plans to launch a Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) later this year, which similarly offers rebates for installing high-efficiency electric appliances and other energy-efficient home upgrades.