Gov. Evers, PSC Celebrate IRA Home Energy Rebates Now Available at Retail Locations Across Wisconsin

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), today announced Wisconsin residents can now access Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Home Energy Rebates directly at retail locations, with instant discounts and post-purchase rebates. Through the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program, customers can purchase qualifying electric appliances bought in-store or online, building upon the contractor-based rebates available since late 2024. This program helps reduce the purchase price to low- and moderate-income households for installing energy-efficient appliances, which lower costs for working families by helping households save on energy bills.

“Wisconsin households can save hundreds to thousands of dollars on energy costs annually by making the switch to clean energy and energy-efficient appliances, keeping more of their hard-earned money in their pockets, which we know is important now more than ever with so many folks and families across our state worried about rising costs and making ends meet,” said Gov. Evers. “As one of the first states to completely roll out our Home Energy Rebates programs, Wisconsin is leading the way on making affordable, responsible energy solutions easier to access while also allowing folks to have a little breathing room in their monthly household budgets.”

This comes as, starting Oct. 1, 2025, thanks to the bipartisan, pro-kid budget Gov. Evers enacted this summer, Wisconsin residents will no longer pay sales and use tax on electricity and natural gas consumed in their homes, helping to lower out-of-pocket costs on energy and utility bills across the state. The proposal, which Gov. Evers originally proposed in the executive budget he introduced in February, is projected to save Wisconsin households more than $178 million over the next two years. Working in tandem with the state’s leading rebate programs, these efforts are providing meaningful relief to Wisconsinites’ household budgets.

“Due to Gov. Evers’ leadership and the widespread support of our industry partners and engaged stakeholders, Wisconsin continues to lead the successful deployment of the Home Energy Rebate programs,” said PSC Chairperson Summer Strand. “The availability of rebates at retail locations streamlines access to and accelerates utilization of program offerings so people can quickly reduce their energy usage and save money through the purchase and installation of energy-efficient appliances and equipment. This exciting new option is another win-win for Wisconsin.”

The HEAR program provides rebates and instant discounts to help low- and moderate-income families electrify their homes. Since December 2024, rebates have been available for products purchased and installed through participating contractors. Wisconsin residents can now receive rebates when purchasing qualifying equipment to upgrade their existing fuel-powered appliances to electric appliances.

Rebates available include:

• Up to $1,750 for an ENERGY STAR® electric heat pump water heater;
• Up to $8,000 for an ENERGY STAR electric heat pump for space heating and cooling;
• Up to $4,000 for an electric load service center (electrical panel);
• Up to $2,500 for electrical wiring upgrades;
• Up to $1,600 for ENERGY STAR insulation, ventilation, and air sealing;
• Up to $840 for ENERGY STAR electric stoves, cooktops, or ranges; and
• Up to $840 for ENERGY STAR heat pump clothes dryers.

Households earning less than 80 percent of the area’s median income may get 100 percent of project costs covered, up to $14,000. Households earning 80-150 percent of the area’s median income may qualify for 50 percent of project costs, also up to $14,000.

Wisconsinites can now use the HEAR program in two ways:

• Buy qualifying appliances themselves, like an electric stove, heat pump dryer, or water heater—either in a store or online.
  • Stores will either offer instant discounts or customers can send in their receipt and photos of before and after work to receive the rebate.
• Work with an IRA Registered Contractor, who will install things like insulation, heat pumps, or upgraded electric panels and wiring.

Visit the Focus on Energy Safe Switch Guide for assistance with making the switch from gas to electric. Switching from gas to electric appliances comes with several important safety considerations to be aware of. To ensure a safe and effective transition, it is essential to carefully read the product manuals and safety instructions for each new electric appliance to understand proper installation, operation, and maintenance. Always consult a licensed professional before disconnecting a gas line or handling electrical wiring.

This is the final step in Wisconsin’s plan to bring IRA Home Energy Rebates to residents, following the launch of the Home Efficient Rebates (HOMES) Program in August 2024 and the HEAR Program in December 2024. As of October 2025, the full HEAR program is now live, including store purchases and installations. Wisconsin is one of just five states nationwide with both IRA Home Energy Rebate programs—HEAR and HOMES—fully operational for residents.

To check qualifications, find income limits, or apply, visit: focusonenergy.com/ira-hear.

The HOMES and HEAR rebates are administered using the existing statewide framework in place for delivering rebates through Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide, utility-funded energy efficiency and renewable resource program. Additional cost-saving rebates for energy efficient technologies are available directly through Focus on Energy, which continues to be managed separately from the HOMES and HEAR programs to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance. For more information, call 1-800-762-7077 or or visit focusonenergy.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.