To the editor,

There is fantastic news to lower energy costs and increase comfort in our homes. Wisconsin’s portion, $150 million, of the HOMES for Home Efficiency Federal Program was announced by the US Secretary of Energy and Gov. Evers in August at Milwaukee Area Technical College. It is available to single and multi-family homes of all income levels.

Rebates for home upgrades include efficient heating, cooling, insulation and water heating as well as air sealing and upgrades to windows and doors and solar panels. Connected with this is the HEARS Program that gives rebates for Energy certified efficient appliances.

The HOMES Program is being run by Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s energy efficiency program which is a protection for applicants. In addition, protections pay for the energy audits and that work must be done by certified groups/persons.

To get started go to: focusonenergy.com/ira.homes

It is predicted by the DOE/Inflation Reduction Act will save US households $1 billion/year and create 50,000 jobs nation-wide. Think of it, jobs in our local communities.

Don’t hold back, many of us have already done this when it was only a federal program and are already enjoying more comfort, energy and money savings.

In addition, the administration is supporting initiatives in rural communities such as for Dairyland Cooperative’s solar array in La Crosse County to lower costs and increase sustainability.

There is REAP providing $1.3 million in USDA grants, powering affordable Clean Energy or PACE Program. Good to read about here in rural Wisconsin.

Don’t forget the significant rebates for buying EV automobiles. They might be more expensive to buy but are significantly cheaper to run and care for.

The Stone Age Didn’t cease for the lack of stones.

Wendy Dart

Maiden Rock