State Introduces Home Energy Rebate Initiative for 15,000 Residents

Michigan Residents Set to Benefit from Home Energy Rebates Program

Lansing, MI – A new initiative, known as the Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program (MiHER), promises significant savings on energy costs for up to 15,000 households statewide. Announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the program is designed to facilitate energy efficiency improvements, allowing homeowners to save thousands on their energy bills through enhanced home performance and the adoption of high-efficiency appliances.

Managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), the MiHER program seeks to lower residential energy expenses at a time when energy costs can pose a significant burden for many families. Statistics indicate that a staggering 86% of residential energy consumption is attributed to heating, cooling, and other essential household functions such as cooking and refrigeration.

Governor Whitmer underscored the importance of the program, stating, “With the statewide launch of MiHER, we’re helping Michigan families save money while upgrading their homes to enhance efficiency and cut energy costs.” She emphasized the necessity for households to have their basic needs met without compromising on essentials, remarking, “Families shouldn’t have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.”

The MiHER program is structured to support energy efficiency upgrades for both single-family and multifamily homes. Importantly, it prioritizes low-income families, targeting those whose income is at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for their respective counties. This focus is a critical element in addressing energy equity, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive assistance in making their homes more energy-efficient and comfortable.

Two key components comprise the MiHER program:

1. Home Efficiency Rebates (HER): This portion of the program provides financial assistance to cover the upfront costs associated with comprehensive home energy efficiency improvements, including insulation, air sealing, heating, and cooling systems. Eligible households can receive up to ,000 for these upgrades, which can reduce a home’s energy consumption by 15% to 20%.

2. Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR): This segment aims to facilitate the transition to efficient electric technologies. It offers rebates for high-efficiency appliances, including up to 0 for electric stoves or dryers, ,750 for heat pump water heaters, and a generous ,000 for heat pumps. Overall, households may qualify for rebates totaling up to ,000 under this category.

Eligible residents interested in participating in the MiHER program can find further information and submit an application at Michigan.gov/HomeEnergyRebates.

Once an application is approved, homeowners will be directed to select an authorized MiHER contractor who will conduct a detailed home assessment. Subsequently, these contractors will execute the necessary eligible rebate work, with payments directed straight to them upon completion of the project. Notably, low-income households may have 100% of the work costs covered, significantly alleviating potential financial barriers.

With the rollout of the MiHER program, Michigan aims to make substantial strides toward improving energy efficiency in homes while aiding families in managing their energy expenses more effectively. This initiative not only supports economic relief but also promotes environmental sustainability through energy-efficient practices.