Wisconsin Energy Rebates 2026
Wisconsin homeowners in 2026 can access federal HEAR and HOMES rebates administered by the Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation, plus the state's Focus on Energy program — one of the country's strongest state-run efficiency incentive programs offering rebates for heat pumps, water heaters, and insulation. The 25C and 25D federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025. Focus on Energy is utility-funded and available to most Wisconsin customers regardless of income.
HOMES Rebate Program in Wisconsin
| Income Level | Max Rebate | Cost Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Low income (≤80% AMI) | Up to $8,000 | 80% of project cost |
| Moderate income (80-150% AMI) | Up to $4,000 | 50% of project cost |
| Above 150% AMI | Not eligible | N/A |
HOMES rebates are administered by the Wisconsin Office of Energy Innovation. Provides up to $4,000 for modeled savings of 20–35% and up to $8,000 for 35%+ whole-home savings. Income-qualified households (≤80% AMI) receive doubled amounts. Focus on Energy participating contractors can coordinate both state and federal rebate applications.
HEAR (HEEHRA) Rebates in Wisconsin
| Equipment | Max Rebate |
|---|---|
| Heat Pump HVAC | Up to $8,000 |
| Electrical Panel | Up to $4,000 |
| Wiring Upgrade | Up to $2,500 |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Up to $1,750 |
| Insulation & Weatherization | Up to $1,600 |
| Electric Stove/Cooktop | Up to $840 |
Maximum total: $14,000 per household (low-income, ≤80% AMI). Moderate income (80-150% AMI) can receive up to $7,000.
Wisconsin State Incentive Programs
Focus on Energy
Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency program, funded by utility customers and administered by Wisconsin utilities including We Energies, WPS, Alliant Energy, and others. Focus on Energy offers cash rebates for heat pumps (up to $1,000 for qualifying systems), heat pump water heaters, smart thermostats, and more — available to ALL Wisconsin residential electric customers regardless of income. This can be stacked with federal HEAR rebates.
Learn moreWisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program
DOE-funded weatherization services delivered through local Community Action Agencies. Provides free insulation, air sealing, heating system repairs, and health/safety improvements for income-qualified households (at or below 200% of federal poverty level).
Learn moreArea Median Income (AMI) in Wisconsin
HOMES and HEAR rebate amounts depend on your household income relative to the Area Median Income in your area. AMI varies by county and household size.
| Area | 80% AMI (Family of 4) | 150% AMI (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Waukesha MSA | $70,960 | $133,050 |
| Madison MSA | $83,520 | $156,600 |
| Green Bay MSA | $70,800 | $132,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What energy rebates are available in Wisconsin in 2026?
Wisconsin homeowners in 2026 can stack multiple incentives: (1) Focus on Energy cash rebates for heat pumps (up to $1,000 for qualifying systems) — available regardless of income; (2) Federal HEAR rebates for heat pumps (up to $8,000) and other appliances for income-qualified households (≤150% AMI); (3) HOMES whole-home performance rebates up to $8,000; (4) Weatherization Assistance (free, income-qualified). The 25C and 25D federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025.
Are federal tax credits still available in Wisconsin?
No. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA, P.L. 119-21, signed July 4, 2025) terminated the Section 25C and 25D federal energy tax credits for installations after December 31, 2025. If you installed qualifying equipment before that date, you can still claim the credit on your 2025 tax return. For 2026 installations, HEAR, HOMES, and Focus on Energy rebates are the primary incentive paths.
What is Focus on Energy and how do I apply?
Focus on Energy is Wisconsin's statewide energy efficiency program funded by electric utility customers. Unlike federal HEAR rebates, Focus on Energy rebates are available to ALL Wisconsin residential customers regardless of income. Visit focusonenergy.com/residential to find participating contractors, check current rebate amounts (heat pump rebates up to $1,000 for qualifying equipment), and submit rebate applications. Your utility bill may show a small Focus on Energy program charge that funds these rebates.
Can I combine Focus on Energy rebates with federal HEAR rebates in Wisconsin?
Yes. Focus on Energy (state/utility program) and federal HEAR rebates come from different funding sources and can typically be combined. A qualifying heat pump project could earn up to $1,000 from Focus on Energy plus up to $8,000 from HEAR (for households at or below 150% AMI). Always confirm stacking rules with your contractor, as program terms can change.
Is Wisconsin a good state for heat pump adoption?
Yes, particularly with cold-climate heat pumps. Wisconsin winters can be severe, but modern cold-climate heat pumps maintain high efficiency down to -13°F or lower. The combination of Wisconsin's relatively high electricity rates (~16¢/kWh), available HEAR + Focus on Energy rebates, and the elimination of fossil fuel price volatility makes heat pump upgrades financially attractive for many Wisconsin homeowners — especially those replacing oil, propane, or electric resistance heating.
How to Claim Your Wisconsin Rebates
