The Home Energy Guides program is a collaboration between the Office of Energy & Climate Change and local community-based organizations, aimed at facilitating participation from underserved Dane County residents in energy efficiency, electrification, and weatherization programs. Community partners train Home Energy Guides who then work directly within their communities to provide one-on-one assistance to residents. Guides provide comprehensive support to residents seeking to access federal energy rebates and weatherization assistance, assisting them through every stage, from application processes to connecting with qualified contractors.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act the federal government created two new residential rebate programs to encourage energy efficiency and electrification. The new programs prioritize rebates for low and moderate income households, serving homeowners, landlords and tenants. In Wisconsin, Focus on Energy is implementing those programs on behalf of the state. Home Energy Guides help walk residents through the entire process, from application to project implementation.
Home Energy Rebate Details
Home Energy Guides, hired by our two partnered community-based organizations, received over twenty hours of home energy efficiency and communications training, including a walk-through of a home with a home energy auditor. They also received training in what programs are available for different households based on income qualifications and other factors.
With this information, Guides assess interested households for program eligibility, direct them to services that might improve the comfort and safety of their homes, and help schedule and organize contractors. This one-on-one assistance lowers the barriers for entry for households to participate while ensuring residents have an advocate on their side walking them through the process. Guides meet monthly with each other to exchange ideas, information, and learn how to most effectively serve residents.
Due to aging or poorly maintained homes and lower average incomes, many low-income households across Dane County experience high energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions. Although the average American household spends about 3.5% of its income on energy, households experiencing poverty spend more than twice that, placing an unfair burden on those least able to afford it.
Improving energy efficiency and electrifying homes can help close that gap. These upgrades not only lower utility bills but also create safer, healthier living environments. Poor indoor air quality and temperature fluctuations contribute to serious health problems, accounting for 14% of U.S. healthcare costs. Simple improvements like air sealing and insulation have been shown to reduce asthma-related emergency room visits by up to 12%.
The majority of Wisconsin households could benefit from home energy and electrification upgrades that reduce costs, improve comfort, and support long-term health and well-being. Our aim is ensure everyone has access to energy efficiency improvements, lowering the cost of utility bills, creating safer and more comfortable homes, and reducing emissions at the same time.
Wisconsin EcoLatinos focuses on equity and increasing participation in environmental quality and conservation efforts by empowering the Latino community and minorities to take action against environmental hazards affecting their community while reducing their carbon footprint.
The Hmong Institute focuses on building community capacity that includes Hmong cultural heritage education, preservation, and training and developing culturally and linguistically-appropriate, competent behavioral health services.They provide a variety of services and events, including mental health services, elderly food distribution, and high school student leadership initiatives.
