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Statewide MiHER program launches with up to $34,000 in rebates for home upgrades, promising cost savings, comfort, and cleaner energy for Michiganders.
Michigan Home Energy Rebates Could Save Households Thousands
The newly launched Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program (MiHER) is poised to transform how thousands of Michigan households manage energy costs, offering rebates of up to $34,000 for energy-efficient home improvements. Announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on April 23, the initiative targets both energy savings and economic relief for families across the state.
Administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and funded through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, MiHER aims to reach 15,000 homes statewide. The program supports upgrades like high-efficiency appliances, insulation, air sealing, and HVAC enhancements, with a strong focus on low- and middle-income families.
“Michigan families should not have to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table,” said Gov. Whitmer. “These upgrades aren’t just about savings – they’re about comfort and quality of life.”
MiHER Program Offers Two Rebate Paths for Homeowners and Renters
The MiHER initiative comprises two rebate tracks:
- Home Efficiency Rebates (HER): Offers up to $20,000 for energy efficiency upgrades that cut energy use by 15%-20%. Covered improvements include insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling system replacements.
- Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR): Offers up to $14,000 in rebates for installing energy-efficient electric appliances. These include:
- $8,000 for heat pumps
- $1,750 for heat pump water heaters
- $1,600 for insulation and ventilation
- $2,500 for electric wiring upgrades
- $840 for electric stoves or dryers
Households earning 80% or less of their county’s Area Median Income (AMI) are prioritized and eligible for full project coverage.
Federal Backing and Local Jobs Fuel Michigan’s Green Home Push
The program is underpinned by $211 million in federal funding, part of a national investment strategy through the U.S. Department of Energy. Nationwide, this effort could save families up to $1 billion annually while supporting more than 50,000 clean energy jobs.
EGLE Director Phil Roos emphasized that MiHER is about more than cost savings: “By improving home efficiency and accelerating cleaner technology, we’re advancing Michigan’s sustainable and resilient future.”
The program is also a workforce booster. MiHER is expected to drive demand for skilled contractors in HVAC, energy retrofitting, and appliance installation. Contractors completing eligible projects may also qualify for performance-based bonuses.
Pilot Program Success in the UP Helps Shape Statewide Rollout
MiHER’s early rollout began in Marquette County and Holland in late 2024. There, families like Upper Peninsula resident Laura Maze saw firsthand benefits. “My house is warmer, I don’t feel drafts, the floors are warmer, and I don’t hear a lot of road noise,” Maze said. “I am just amazed.”
The pilot phase, run in collaboration with Upper Peninsula Power Company, SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company, and the Holland Board of Public Works, helped Michigan become the first Midwest state to implement both rebate components.
With those lessons in hand, the full rollout now opens opportunities to all Michigan homeowners and renters to apply via Michigan.gov/HomeEnergyRebates.
Clean Energy, Equity, and Economic Relief at the Program’s Core
MiHER’s focus on equity and affordability stands out. The rebate structure ensures that low-income households aren’t left out of the clean energy transition. For many, that means warmer homes, lower bills, and better health outcomes.
Gov. Whitmer’s framing of MiHER as both a quality-of-life initiative and a pocketbook issue echoes broader policy priorities aimed at reducing energy burdens while investing in Michigan’s climate resilience and economic infrastructure.
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Sources
Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Governor Whitmer Announces Statewide Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program to Help Families Save Thousands on Energy Costs.” Michigan.gov, 23 Apr. 2025, https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2025/04/23/governor-whitmer-announces-statewide-michigan-home-energy-rebates-program.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). “Home Energy Rebates.” Michigan.gov/HomeEnergyRebates, 2025, https://www.michigan.gov/homeenergyrebates.
U.S. Department of Energy. “Home Energy Rebate Programs.” Energy.gov, 2025, https://www.energy.gov/scep/home-energy-rebate-programs.
Congress.gov. “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.” Congress.gov, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/5376.
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