OEI Programs
Rural Energy Startup Program Round 2 Awards
- The Public Service Commission awarded $980,143 to 10 rural local units of governments under the Rural Energy Startup Program Round 2. Awards were made to cities, villages, towns and counties for applications submitted by July 16, 2025.
- The Commission awarded proposals for energy audit and building upgrade projects that will help recipients identify and implement energy-efficiency retrofits that will help governments save energy and reduce their energy bills. Additionally, the Commission awarded 2 renewable resource planning grants which will help recipients plan for the successful implementation of solar projects.
- The Commission will continue to accept applications in the PSC Grant System, awarding eligible applications and projects on a first-come, first-serve basis while funds remain.
- To read more about the RESP program and how to submit applications for remaining funding, visit the links below.
Home Energy Rebates
- Wisconsin is celebrating the 1-year anniversary of its Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) will celebrate its 1-year anniversary this December. Wisconsin is one of only five states to have launched both programs.
- To date, there have been 472 completed projects under the Home Energy Rebate (HER) programs, with over $2 million in rebates being paid out. Ninety-eight percent of the rebates have gone to low- and moderate-income households.
- Popular project measures across the programs have included:
- Insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
- Heat pumps for cooling and heating
- Electric panels and wiring upgrades
- Heat pump water heaters
- As of the end of July, there were nearly 200 Inflation Reduction Act registered contractors available to help Wisconsin homeowners take advantage of the HER Programs.
- Visit the links below to learn more about the HER programs, what energy efficiency upgrades are available, and which contractors can help you.
Focus on Energy
- Focus on Energy offers rebates and instant discounts on a variety of energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment including heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, smart thermostats, and water heaters.
- Instant discounts are paid to the participating distributor and passed through your contractor, onto you. No forms. No waiting for a check in the mail. The discount comes off your invoice at time of purchase.
- Ask your Trade Ally contractor if they work with a participating distributor and if the equipment you are choosing qualifies for a Focus on Energy rebate or instant discount.
- Home Energy Rebates can also stack on top of Focus on Energy Rebates, bringing even more savings to your project.
- To learn more about Focus on Energy Instant Discounts and Rebates, visit the link below.
Funding Opportunities
Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Program Round 1.5
- The Wisconsin Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (WEVI) Program Round 1.5 has resumed accepting applications. Applications are due by Friday, September 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM CT.
- The focus of Round 1.5 is to fill the remaining gaps on Wisconsin's Alternative Fuel Corridor (AFC) network in specific geographic areas. However, WisDOT will consider high-quality project applications that meet the program's requirements anywhere along the state's AFC network.
- The program has reissued its Request for Proposal (RFP) and Submission package with modifications. Please refer to page two of the RFP link below for details about these changes. Previously submitted proposals will be given an opportunity to be updated.
- Any general or RFP-specific questions can be sent to transportationelectrification@dot.wi.gov. Questions regarding the RFP should contain the subject line: "WEVI Round 1.5 RFP Question." A Questions and Answers document is available on the WEVI RFP Webpage and updated every week as questions are received.
- To view the RFP, the Submission Package, and the Question-and-Answer document, visit the links below.
Learning Opportunities
Xcel Energy Summit
- Join Xcel Energy on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 12:45 PM in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for a free half-day energy summit. This half-day event brings together local and regional energy experts for a series of workshops on the latest technologies and best practices in building energy efficiency.
- Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about incentive opportunities with Focus on Energy.
- Sessions include:
- Compressed Air System Optimization: Practical, Low-Cost Steps to Reduce Waste and Improve Reliability
- Navigating the Refrigerant Transition: What You Need to Know
- Best Practices for Electrical Power Quality
- Maximizing Your Building Automation System
- Emerging Technologies in Buildings: A Look at the Future
- Advance registration is required. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- To learn more about the Energy Summit and to register, visit the link below.
Understanding the A2L Refrigerant Transition & Energy Efficiency Impact
- Join Slipstream and expert speaker Ryan Hoger on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM for a free webinar breaking down the A2L refrigerant transition and what it means for various HVAC applications.
- This webinar will help contractors, engineers, building operators, and facility managers prepare for the next generation of HVAC refrigerants.
- Topics covered include:
- The A2L transition timeline and regulatory drivers
- Flammability considerations and safety requirements
- Key properties of R-32 and R-454B: flammability, operating pressures, COP
- Energy consumption of newer models of equipment
- Efficiency levels required by DOE and IECC on equipment replacements
- New tools and practices for HVAC technicians
- Required refrigerant detection and ventilation systems
- Opportunities for energy consumption reduction due to “forced replacement” of evaporator coils
- Advance registration is required.
- To learn more about the webinar and to register, visit the link below.
Citizens Utility Board Energy Education Programming
Energy News and Research
Kegonsa Research Center named 2025 North American Agrivoltaics Dual-Use Plan of the Year
- The UW-Madison Kegonsa Research Center Agrivoltaics Field, a joint endeavor by UW-Madison and Alliant Energy, was named the 2025 North American Agrivoltaics Dual-Use Plan of the Year. The honor recognizes outstanding excellence in innovation, design, performance and/or function of a planned, but not yet constructed, dual-use (agrivoltaics or ecovoltaics) solar development project.
- The Kegonsa Research Center aims to raise awareness about co-locating renewable energy and agricultural activities on the same land, while advancing sustainability, research, and energy goals.
- To learn more about the award and the Kegonsa Research Center, visit the links below.
Reminder: Clean Energy Tax Credits for EVs Ending Soon
- On July 4, 2025, H.R. 1, the federal reconciliation bill was signed into law that will have a major effect on clean energy tax credits. Some key residential energy efficiency tax credits modified by the bill are:
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Ending September 30, 2025:
- The New Clean Vehicle (30D) credit, which helps individuals purchase new electric cars, the Used Clean Vehicle (25E) credit, which helps individuals purchase used electric cars, and the Commercial Clean Vehicle (45W) credit, which helps businesses purchase electric trucks and cars, spurring the commercialization of innovative, clean, efficient electric drivetrains in trucks and other large vehicles, and lowers their total operating costs.
- Other tax credits for Energy Efficient Home Improvements (25C) and Residential Clean Energy (25D) end on December 31, 2025, for more information on these and other changes visit the link below.
Upgraded Commercial Building Code to Take Effect September 1
- A new modernized Wisconsin Commercial Building Code will take effect September 1, 2025, when the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) publishes the new, upgraded code establishing the standards for commercial buildings in Wisconsin. With this update, the state will move to 2021 International Building Code (IBC) standards, with some Wisconsin-specific adjustments.
- To ease the transition, the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) will accept plans submitted under the current (2015) code through September. Starting October 1, 2025, all commercial building plans submitted for approval must meet the standards set by the upgraded code.
- To learn more about the code update, visit DSPS’s press release below.
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