Grid Resilience Grant Program Round 2 Update
- The Commission issued a memo on the scope and priority decisions for the upcoming Round 2 of the Wisconsin Grid Resilience Grant Program.
- The Commission will make decisions on the program design at a future open meeting.
- Following the program design phase, the OEI anticipates opening one or more competitive grant cycles to solicit projects from eligible applicants.
- The OEI will provide Application Instructions and host a webinar at the beginning of the grant cycle to support potential applicants.
- To stay informed of progress, subscribe to docket 9713-FG-2026 through the OEI Grid Resilience Program webpage. Visit the links below to subscribe and learn more about Wisconsin’s Grid Resilience Program.
Inflation Reduction Act Home Energy Rebates
- The U.S Department of Energy (DOE) issued new federal guidance affecting the Home Energy Rebates programs. These changes take effect September 1, 2026.
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Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program changes will impact program eligibility. Major changes include:
- Heat pump water heaters, heat pump clothes dryers, and electric cooking appliances:
- Only existing electric equipment may be replaced for these measures.
- Existing gas appliances will no longer be eligible for replacement.
- Heat pumps for space heating and cooling:
- May be installed in any home. If a fossil fuel system is currently in place, it must remain.
- No longer required to provide at least 51% of heating in the home.
- Must meet weatherization requirements before installation. Thresholds are still being determined and will be shared as soon as possible.
- HEAR reservations under current program rules will be accepted through August 7, 2026, to allow sufficient processing time before new rules take effect.
- HEAR reservations submitted on or after September 1, 2026, will qualify under new program eligibility rules.
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Whole Home Efficiency Rebate (HOMES) program changes do not affect project eligibility. Major changes include:
- Post-installation photos will no longer be required.
- ENERGY STAR® is encouraged but will no longer be required.
- There is no reservation submission deadline for HOMES projects. Existing rules will stay in place until changes are officially implemented—no later than August 31, 2026.
- Visit the links below to learn more about the programs and how you can participate.
Focus on Energy - Efficient Window Rebates
- Focus on Energy is offering limited-time rebates on energy-efficient window upgrades.
- Eligible customers can save up to $600 per energy-efficient window upgrade with Focus on Energy rebates through a participating Trade Ally contractor.
- Customers must work with a participating window contractor and submit a rebate reservation before purchase and installation. Installations must be completed by December 15, 2026.
- Rebate amount is based on income. See the table below for details.
- To learn more about the program or find a Trade Ally, visit the links below.
Focus on Energy - Combined Heat and Power Request for Proposals
- Focus on Energy is now accepting submissions for the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP is available to business customers seeking financial support to complete CHP projects by November 30, 2027.
- The application deadline is October 31, 2026.
- Applicants should work directly with their Focus on Energy Advisor to submit a response to this RFP.
- To be connected to an Energy Advisor, send an email to: business@focusonenergy.com
- Visit the link below to learn more about the CHP RFP.
Funding Opportunities
Changes to Program Guidance for the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEAR) Program for Indian Tribes
- The U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) issued a Program Notice to notify grantees of program guidance changes for the HEAR Program* for Indian Tribes only.
- The U.S. DOE intends to publish revised program guidance documents to further detail these changes in the near future. Grantees should work with their assigned U.S. DOE Project Officer on next steps for their specific award.
- To revise grant guidance and program management information and reopen and extend the application deadline for the HEAR Program for Indian Tribes. Tribes must apply for their formula awards from the Department by December 11, 2026.
- To learn more about these program guidance changes, visit the link below for the full program notice from the U.S. DOE.
*Note: Federal materials refer to the HEAR program by an alternate name, HEEHR.
Energy News
Wisconsin Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy Announces State Emissions Reduction Roadmap
- Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld and the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy (OSCE) have announced the release of the Emissions Reduction Roadmap – Actions for Sustainability in Wisconsin, the first statewide framework to address all major sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Wisconsin.
- The plan demonstrates a feasible way for the state to develop policies, practices, and technologies that reduce pollutant emissions, create high-quality jobs, drive economic growth, protect and preserve natural resources, improve air quality, and promote the health and well-being of Wisconsin residents.
- Developed with the input of local communities, private industry, Tribal nations, and Wisconsin residents, the Emissions Reduction Roadmap explores effective measures for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the following seven sectors:
- Agriculture
- Commercial and Residential Buildings
- Energy Generation
- Industrial Processes and Facilities
- Natural and Working Lands
- Transportation
- Waste and Materials Management
- The OSCE will be hosting a series of informational webinars later this summer on the different sectors and actions in the plan. Information on the webinars will be shared at a later date.
- To learn more about and read the roadmap, visit the links below.
Realta Fusion Announces ‘First-of-a-Kind’ Demonstration for Fusion Energy and Announces to Locate Corporate Headquarters and Research Facility in Madison, WI
- Realta Fusion announced the first ever demonstration of direct energy conversion of plasma kinetic energy into electricity by a commercial fusion energy company.
- In converting plasma energy into electricity, Realta demonstrated the ability to draw amps of current to provide enough power to illuminate several light bulbs.
- "This is a first demonstration, but still a meaningful technical milestone and proof-of-concept that direct energy conversion (DEC) can be done at a scale to light things up," said Dr. Derek Sutherland, Realta's Chief Scientific Officer. "[T]his is not yet...a large-scale conversion of fusion power directly into electricity."
- To learn more about Realta’s demonstration and fusion power, visit the links below.
- Governor Tony Evers joined the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to announce that Realta Fusion will locate its corporate headquarters and fusion research facility at OM Station, the site of the former Oscar Mayer plant, in Madison.
- Realta officials said they expect to break ground on “The Realta Forge,” its dedicated research and development (R&D) facility, where it will begin building the prototype magnetic mirror fusion machine it calls Hammir before the end of this year.
- To read the full announcement, visit the link below.
Learning Opportunities
Understanding Your Energy Use: Tools for You to Take Action & Save Money Webinar
- The Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin (CUB) is hosting a free educational webinar on Thursday, September 3, 2026, designed to help Wisconsin residential utility customers save money.
- The webinar will provide a practical roadmap for taking control of utility bills, offering an overview of how Wisconsin utilities function, and how residents can advocate for their interests as consumers.
- The webinar will explore:
- Home Energy Efficiency: Simple, effective steps—from low-cost weatherization tips to understanding your appliance usage—to reduce energy waste and lower your monthly bills.
- Resilience Planning: Practical measures to help ensure your home remains comfortable, safe, and efficient, regardless of external grid or weather conditions.
- Empowered Living: Resources and programs available to help you navigate your energy options and plan for a more stable, affordable future.
- To learn more about the webinar and to register, visit the link below.
Focus on Energy - August Trainings
- Interested in learning more about energy efficiency and expanding your skillset? Join Focus on Energy for their August 2026 training sessions and webinar.
- On August 5 and 6 from 9 – 11 AM, join Focus for HVAC Applications for Commercial, Small Industrial, Schools & Government Facilities. Participants will learn about the typical HVAC systems found in commercial and small industrial settings. Webinar attendance is free, but registration is required.
- On August 18 from 9 – 11 AM, join Focus for Energy Efficiency Opportunities for Grocery and Convenience Stores. Participants will learn about refrigeration systems, common terminology used within the industry, energy-saving upgrade opportunities at grocery and convenience stores (c-stores), how and when refrigeration energy savings can be obtained, common refrigeration opportunities/projects, and how to submit projects through both the Focus on Energy prescriptive and custom programs. Webinar participation is free, but registration is required.
- On August 25 from 9 – 10 AM, join Focus for Converting Energy Audits into a Business Plan webinar. Participants will learn how to use energy audit results and create a backbone for a business plan for energy efficiency, success, and sustainability. Additionally, participants will learn elements of a successful business energy plan and the stages along the way that will increase opportunities for growth. The webinar will also look at some additional non-energy benefits of improving energy efficiency. Registration is required for the webinar.
- To learn more about the training opportunities and webinar or to view any of the available training courses and webinars, visit the links below.
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