Chad Laibly from the Focus on Energy program delivered a presentation entitled ‘Energy Efficiency Rebates’ to the Monroe County Climate Change Task force (CCTF) at their January meeting. Laibly is an Energy Advisor with the program.

“This year will be one of the best incentive years ever for energy efficiency rebates due to passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by the U.S. Congress in 2022,” Laibly said. “Noteworthy among the many energy savings options are tax credits for installation of heat pumps, help with installing home electrical upgrades for vehicle charging, and the ‘Homes’ rebate program.”

Laibly explained that the Public Service Commission’s Office of Energy Innovation (OEI) is working closely with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Association of State Energy Offices (NASEO) to identify options for program delivery to prepare for the implementation of these federal programs when guidance becomes available.

Laibly told the group that ‘Focus on Energy’ is Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy. Since 2001, they have worked with eligible residents and businesses to install energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

“The program provides financial incentives, education, information and other resources to encourage participation that leads to increased energy savings and reduced utility bills,” Laibly said.

Both residential and non-residential customers are eligible for Focus on Energy services. Eligibility for Wisconsin utility customers is determined by whether the measures save a fuel type purchased from a participating utility.

“To be eligible a resident or business must receive their electricity or natural gas service from a participating utility.   In Wisconsin more than 100 utilities participate in the Focus on Energy Program.”

Free stuff

One of the more popular Focus on Energy programs is their ‘Free-Energy Savings Product Packs Program,’ which offers customers of participating utility companies a choice of one of six different energy saving packs (limited to once every year).

The packs of ‘free stuff’ vary, but contain items such as LED lights, a showerhead, a bath aerator, a kitchen aerator, pipe wrap, an advanced power strip, and a hot water temperature card.

To sign up for your energy saving pack, go to the Focus on Energy website and:

1. check to make sure your energy company participates in Focus on Energy; and

2. identify your electricity and natural gas provider.

Rebate programs

Detailed information about Focus on Energy rebate programs, and local contact information for Focus on Energy representatives, can be found on Focus on Energy’s website at: www.focusonenergy.com.

Insulation and Air

Sealing Solutions

In single-family homes, rebates are available for:

• Energy Star Certified Air Sealing, $675 (income qualified, $1,125)

• Attic Insulation, $525 (income qualified, $625)

• Foundation Insulation, $150 (income qualified, $225)

• Wall Insulation, $450

• Duct Sealing with Insulation, $75.

In multi-family homes, rebates are available for:

• Air Sealing and Attic Insulation, if the existing insulation is less than or equal to R11, then the rebate is $1 per-square-foot of attic space

• For existing insulation between R12 to R19, the rebate amount is $0.70 per-square-foot of attic space

• For existing insulation between R20 to R38, the rebate amount is $0.55 per-square-foot of attic space

• Exterior Wall Insulation, if the existing insulation is less than R5, the rebate amount is $0.80 per-square-foot of wall improved.

Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of an average home’s energy usage, which makes efficiency in this area very important. Upgrading to more efficient equipment can result in a 10-30 percent reduction in amount of fuel consumed, reduce noise, and maintain more consistent temperatures in the home.

Rebate options available through Focus on Energy include a new furnace, a new boiler, a smart thermostat or a new water heater. You can receive rebates for each individual improvement or make multiple upgrades at once, increasing your savings.

Solar for Homes

If your home is already as energy efficient as possible, a logical next step to continue to maximize your energy efficiency and savings might be installing a solar electric system. Focus on Energy offers cash rebates for qualified solar electric installations.

Locally, one company that assists homeowners will solar electric installations and accessing Focus on Energy rebates is Ethos Green Power Cooperative in Viroqua. For those interested in pursuing a solar electric installation, your options to receive assistance are either to contact Focus on Energy, find a list of local service providers on their website, or contact Ethos Green Power Cooperative at 608-561-2396.

Programs for business

Focus on Energy has a suite of programs to support business owners in maximizing energy efficiency and savings. Each incentive is managed by Focus on Energy’s network of energy efficiency program specialists and trade allies.

Focus on Energy solutions for business include programs aimed at agribusiness, educational institutions, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, multi-family housing, commercial real estate, restaurants, retail/grocery, and water and wastewater facilities.