New Rebate Program Aids Michiganders in Home Energy Upgrade

TL/DR –

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced a new statewide energy rebates program, funded by the federal Inflation Reduction Act, that could assist up to 15,000 households to upgrade appliances and make home energy improvements. The program, which is prioritizing households with incomes at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI), offers up to $20,000 in Home Efficiency Rebates and up to $14,000 in Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. Beyond helping homeowners cut back on energy costs, the program is also expected to create jobs by building a network of pre-qualified contractors for construction and installation work.

Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program Launches Statewide

Michigan’s Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, unveiled the new Michigan Home Energy Rebates program on Wednesday, aiming to assist approximately 15,000 households to make energy-efficient upgrades to appliances and homes.

Funded statewide via the federal Inflation Reduction Act, the scheme was initially piloted in Marquette County and Holland. The initiative is administered by the state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

Department spokesperson, Jeff Johnston, highlights the program’s benefits in reducing energy costs for income-qualified households and contributing to environmental preservation. “This program gives families a chance to save on their monthly bills without demanding prohibitive upfront investments,” he stated.

While all households can check their rebate eligibility, the plan is focused on families earning at or below 80% of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI).

The program offers two rebate types: Home Efficiency Rebates, providing up to $20,000, and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, offering up to $14,000. Combined, qualified households can avail themselves of up to $34,000 in rebates.

Efficiency rebates cater to energy-saving upgrades, including insulation, air sealing, and heating/cooling upgrades, which can reduce house energy use by 15-20%. The appliance rebates fund electrically-efficient upgrades, such as electric stoves, dryers, and heat pump water heaters.

The program also supports local economies by creating construction and installation jobs and establishing a network of pre-qualified contractors. Local contractors are urged to register with the program.

Michiganders can check their eligibility and apply for energy rebates at Michigan.gov/HomeEnergyRebates.

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