Which energy efficiency program is right for me?

The City of Milwaukee and State of Wisconsin offer several programs to help homeowners make energy-saving improvements in their homes, such as insulation, furnaces, boilers, andeven air conditioning. Me² can help you pay for home energy efficiency improvement through a loan. However, low income households may qualify for free energy efficiency work.

The information provided below can help you select the program that is right for you based on income and other factors. Click HERE to access a printable guide.

Scroll down the page for more information on each of these programs.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance program provides the highest level of grants, paying up to the full cost of home weatherization work. This program is geared toward low-income households that are currently receiving home energy assistance.

Eligibility:

• You received benefits from Wisconsin's Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) OR your gross income for the last three months is equal to or less than 60% of Wisconsin's state median income (SMI) for your family size (please see the table below)
• Your home or apartment has not been weatherized before
• Your household meets certain priorities that may include a high energy burden or use, an elderly or disabled member, or a child under six

What it offers:

Weatherization services differ with each home depending on how it was built and its condition, but some common weatherization services include:

• Free energy audit
• Free insulation for attics, walls, and floors
• Reduce air leakage
• Repair or replace furnace
• Insulate or replace water heater
• Install energy efficient lighting
• Test and/or replace refrigerator
• Perform a general health and safety inspection
• Provide information about maintenance and energy conservation

To apply:

• Contact the Social Development Commission at 414-906-2727 or visit Home Energy Plus

Income Guidelines for the 2016-2017 Home Energy Plus Program Year

60 PERCENT OF STATE MEDIAN INCOME GUIDELINES

Program Income Guidelines

Me² provides affordable home loans for energy-saving upgrades to City of Milwaukee homeowners. Focus on Energy provides two levels of rebates, one for moderate-income customers and one for everyone else. Me² loans can be combined with Focus on Energy incentives for maximum value and affordability.

Maximum Income by Program Type:
 

Focus on Energy Programs

Focus on Energy Level 2 Rewards (Enhanced Rewards)

What it offers:

• Free energy audit
• Up to $2000 in rebates for insulation and $850 for furnaces
• Visit Focus on Energy for complete information

Eligibility:

• The property is an existing home (new construction or mobile homes are not eligible)
• At least 50% of the building is heated by natural gas or electricity
• The occupants' household income is less than 80% of Wisconsin's median income (please see the table above) - NOTE: this requirement can be satisfied by the owner or tenant.
• The home has NOT received services through the weatherization program in the past 5 years

To apply:

• Complete this application form and send it to Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy Level 1 Rewards

What it offers:

• No income requirements
• Up to $1500 in rebates for insulation, up to $225 for furnaces, and up to $400 for boilers
• Visit Focus on Energy for complete information

Eligibility:

• No income limit
• The property is an existing home (new construction or mobile homes are not eligible)
• At least 50% of the building is heated by natural gas or electricity

To apply:

• Contact a Participating Me2 Contractor - Me² Contractors will handle the Focus on Energy paperwork and rebates for you when you hire them to do work for you.

Me² Energy Efficiency Loan Program (can be combined with Focus on Energy Rewards, below)

What it offers:

• Affordable, no home equity loan for energy saving improvements, including insulation, boilers, furnaces, hot water heaters, and air conditioners

Eligibility:

• The property is located within the City of Milwaukee
• The property is an existing single-family home, duplex, or triplex (3 units or less)
• The owner of the building must be listed as an individual and not as a trust, LLC, or form of business
• No delinquent property taxes due to the City of Milwaukee
• The work must be performed by a Participating Me2 Contractor
• The applicant must be employed or have a source of income
• The applicant may not be in bankruptcy or have too much debt relative to income

To apply:

• Apply online at SmartEnergyPays.com/homeowners or visit a Summit Credit Union location near you

Rebates from Focus on Energy