MILWAUKEE–Green Homeowners United, Forward Together Wisconsin, State Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde, and clean energy advocates are highlighting the release of a new research report showing how homeowners in Wisconsin can save money on energy costs ahead of utility rate increases and future grid demands from data centers.
Using a unique data set of hundreds of income-qualified energy assessments of real Wisconsin homes, this research report provides an in-depth sense of what works at actually reducing energy use in Wisconsin homes, including data on how many homes would need to be upgraded to counteract the energy use of a new data center.
“Energy costs are climbing across the United States, and Wisconsin homeowners and renters are feeling the pressure,” said Kevin Kane, chief economist for Green Homeowners United. “This research shows what actually works to help reduce consumer costs and address increased energy demand quickly and effectively.”
“This research shows that we can create good-paying union jobs, help families save money on their utility bills, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen our energy grid all at the same time,” said Peter Drummond, executive director of Forward Together Wisconsin.
Wisconsin was the first state in the nation to launch the IRA HOMES rebate, and was the first to have both HOMES and the other HEAR rebate running concurrently. These programs offer home energy rebates to help Americans make their homes more energy efficient through whole-home projects, like improving insulation and heating/cooling equipment, which saves families money while also reducing harmful emissions.
A majority of the HOMES rebate projects implemented in the US were in Wisconsin. Moreover, Green Homeowners United has performed the most of any contracting firm.
Forward Together Wisconsin’s revolving loan program established in partnership with Green Homeowners United has helped more homeowners unlock opportunities to tap into these home energy rebates.
The fund works by removing the barrier to entry for low income homeowners by funding an energy assessment which can qualify them for tens of thousands of dollars in federal funding. To date, an initial $41,000 investment has funded $103,500 worth of energy assessments, which is more than 300 homes in Madison, Milwaukee, and La Crosse, and leveraged more than $1,423,843 in IRA rebates.
Green Homeowners United analyzed 200 income-qualifying energy assessments in Milwaukee and La Crosse — the most comprehensive apples-to-apples comparison of home energy efficiency savings in Wisconsin. Here’s what moves the needle most:
- Basement insulation saves homeowners an average of $173/year — and up to $550+
- Heat pump water heaters save an average of $314/year for homes with electric water heaters
- Attic insulation & air sealing saves an average of $119/year
- Air sealing alone saves an average of $64/year, and for some homes over $300
- Upgrading 38,471 homes to be energy efficient would effectively cover the energy use of a 200mw data center, and create 1,001 union jobs in the process
- Upgrading homes to be energy efficient was the second least expensive way, after wind power, to source the amount of power needed for the data center(s). Less than nuclear, coal, natural gas and solar/storage!
Interview opportunities by phone or video (virtual or in person) available upon request. Video at a job site or recent job site may be possible too, with consent of the homeowner. Please call Kevin Kane at 414-550-8280 to inquire.
Green Homeowners United is a social enterprise founded in 2020 to help homeowners reduce carbon emissions at home. Through energy assessments, economic analysis, and residential construction expertise, we help homeowners do the right thing by the planet and their pocketbooks. Contact Green Homeowners United to find out how to reduce utility bills and carbon emissions.
Forward Together Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) organization operating exclusively for charitable and educational purposes including, but not limited to, conducting research on federal investments in Wisconsin, educating the general public on accessing said investments, and assisting the general public with technical and financial needs to access the federal funds.
