Michigan's MiHER Program: Big Savings on Home Energy Upgrades in 2025
As energy efficiency continues to be a priority for Michigan households, the Michigan Home Energy Rebate (MiHER) Program has exciting updates. With both pilot programs and state-wide launches on the horizon, Michigan is expanding its commitment to sustainable energy solutions for residents. Here’s what you need to know about the MiHER Program’s latest developments.
Program Pilot Launches
MiHER’s pilot initiatives are underway with the goal of providing initial insights and impacts ahead of the state-wide launch in early 2025. Both the Home Energy Rebates (HER) and High Efficiency Appliances Rebates (HEAR) programs are now starting in select regions. A limited group of 50 households in Marquette County and Holland are participating in the pilot. This initiative is made possible through partnerships with UPPCO, SEMCO Gas, and the Holland Board of Public Works, jumpstarting energy efficiency projects in these areas.
Full State-wide Rollout Set for 2025
In early 2025, the MiHER Program will open its doors to more households across Michigan, with an aim to serve up to 15,000 homes. The program will cover both single-family and multi-family properties, bringing substantial financial assistance to a wide range of residents looking to make energy-efficient upgrades.
Single-family homeowners: Eligible for up to $34,000 in rebates
HER program: Up to $20,000 in rebates
HEAR program: Up to $14,000 in rebates
Multi-family properties: Eligible for rebates
HER (HOMES) rebates: Up to $8,000 per dwelling unit
HEAR rebates: Up to $14,000 per dwelling unit
Each region will receive its own funding allocation for both programs, ensuring that resources are distributed based on local needs.
MiHER Program Details: HER & HEAR
HER Program (Home Energy Rebates)
HER, also known as HOMES, focuses on comprehensive energy efficiency improvements. These include upgrades such as insulation, air sealing, heating, and cooling systems. HER rebates support households in achieving energy savings of 15-20%, verified by an approved energy assessment.
Eligible single-family homes may qualify for:
Up to $20,000 in rebates, depending on income levels
$20,000 for households earning less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
$4,000 for households earning 80% or more of the AMI
HEAR Program (High Efficiency Appliances Rebates)
HEAR aims to reduce upfront costs for high-efficiency electric home appliances and equipment. Some of the top rebate offerings include:
$840 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric stove
$840 for an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump clothes dryer
$1,750 for an ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heater
$1,600 for insulation, air sealing, and ventilation
$2,500 for electric wiring upgrades
$4,000 for an upgraded electric panel
$8,000 for an ENERGY STAR-certified electric heat pump for heating or cooling
Homes can access up to $14,000 in total HEAR rebates, providing significant assistance toward high-efficiency technology investments.
Who is Eligible?
The MiHER Program is designed to benefit both homeowners and renters across single-family and multi-family properties. Priority will go to households with greater energy-saving needs and to residents earning up to 80% of their county’s AMI, including those enrolled in federal assistance programs.
Eligible properties include:
Single-family homes: Eligible for rebates covering 100% of costs for low-income households (those earning 0-80% AMI)
Multi-family properties: Eligible for rebates of up to $8,000 per unit (HER/HOMES) and $14,000 per unit (HEAR)
Rebates are categorized into:
Standard rebates: For homes with incomes between 81-150% of the AMI
Enhanced rebates: For households earning 80% or below AMI
Interested households will be able to apply once the full programs are active in 2025 on the official MiHER website.
Administration & Partnerships
The MiHER Program is administered by EGLE’s Materials Management Division, in collaboration with CLEAResult and Walker-Miller Energy Services in Detroit. Qualified contractors will be responsible for enrolling families, assessing homes, completing energy upgrades, and capturing energy savings, with incentives available for those serving eligible communities. Contractors will guide households on the best fit between HER and HEAR rebates for their specific needs.
For those interested in learning more, Michigan residents can explore available federal, state, local, and utility incentives using the Michigan Energy Efficient Upgrade Savings Calculator.
As Michigan takes steps to make sustainable energy accessible, the MiHER Program offers an opportunity for households to reduce energy costs, contribute to environmental health, and increase comfort in their homes. Stay tuned for more updates as the MiHER Program continues to expand in 2025.