Home Energy Rebates Program

• After complete program updates are provided by DOE, Montana DEQ will resume program planning work with our third-party program design and implementation contractor, revise our pended application to reflect newly updated guidance, and resubmit to DOE for review and approval. Only after final approval by DOE, will the conditional status of the award be lifted, and program launch be possible.
• Program design work was temporarily paused with our third-party contractor in February of 2025. This pause was intended to allow DOE to form up actionable program guidance that may or may not require modifications to the pended application for implementation funds.
• Conditional awards for implementation funding were awarded to DEQ in January of 2025. However, DEQ is unable to access those funds or launch the programs until DOE has approved the implementation application.
• Implementation application materials were submitted to DOE in November of 2024 (currently in "pended" status).
• The competitive solicitation for our program design and implementation contractor was concluded in July of 2024.
• DEQ applied for and received early administrative/program planning funds in October of 2023.

The Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Rebate Program provides rebates for energy efficiency improvements based on the percentage of energy savings of the whole-house project. Eligible costs may include a combination of energy saving measures such as appliance and HVAC system upgrades, adding insulation, air sealing, and associated electrical panel and/or wiring upgrades. The HOMES Rebate Program will require applicants to demonstrate savings by comparing energy consumption before and after the energy conservation project.

Rebate qualification is based on Area Median Income (AMI). The HOMES Rebate Program amounts are tiered based on the percentage of whole-house energy savings realized and whether your gross household income falls above or below 80% AMI. Rebate eligible equipment and materials must meet certain efficiency standards and incentives can be utilized for single-family, multi-family, and manufactured housing.

The High Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) Program provides point-of-sale rebates for stand-alone home electrification and energy efficiency upgrades. Upgrading to high-efficiency electric appliances, HVAC system efficiency improvements, adding insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and upgrading in-home electrical panels are all examples of measures that may be included in Montana's HEEHR Program.

Rebate Qualification is based on Area Median Income (AMI). The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program rebates are tiered based on your gross household income with higher incentives available below 80% AMI and slightly reduced incentives available between 80-150% AMI; eligibility is capped at 150% AMI. Rebate eligible appliances and equipment must meet certain efficiency standards and can be utilized for single-family, multi-family, and manufactured housing.

Households looking for immediate home energy retrofit assistance may be eligible for other local, state, and federal programs including tax credits, Weatherization Assistance Programs, and utility programs.

Utility Rebates

• NorthWestern Energy – NorthWestern Energy has rebates available for both electric and natural gas customers. Available measures will vary depending on if you are an electric or natural gas customer and rebates must meet certain requirements. For more information please visit: Efficiency Rebates and Incentives for Homeowners (northwesternenergy.com).
• Montana-Dakota Utilities – Montana-Dakota Utilities offers rebates for furnace replacements, programmable thermostats, and LED lighting. For more information please visit: Savings for Your Home - Montana-Dakota Utilities Company.
• Electric Cooperatives – Montana electric co-ops often have rebate programs available to their members. Please visit your co-op’s website to determine if a program exists in your area.

Weatherization Assistance Program

• The Weatherization Assistance Program helps participants improve the heating efficiency of their homes, reduce their energy consumption, and lower energy bills. Participation is dependent on family size and income. The program is managed by the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS), which also manages programs assisting with winter energy bills and water bills. For general program information, visit: DPHHS Weatherization Assistance Program. To find your local eligibility office, visit: DPHHS Local and Tribal Weatherization Offices.

Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program

• The Energy Bureau provides low-interest loans for projects investing in alternative energy systems and energy conservation measures in Montana. For more information on project qualifications and financing, visit: MT Alternative Energy and Revolving Loan Program.

• The Montana Energy Savers Guidebook was created to help Montanans identify energy conservation measures to save on energy costs in their homes. The guidebook provides information on where to look for energy savings and how to complete the upgrades. It is a great place to start in developing a plan for residential energy conservation work that may qualify for the existing incentives covered above, in addition to rebate program incentives once available.
• To learn more about heat pump technology and whether it might be a fit for your home, please visit: Heat Pump Systems | Department of Energy.
• To learn more about heat pump water heater technology and whether it might be a fit for your home, please visit: Heat Pump Water Heaters | Department of Energy.
• To learn more about home upgrades and how to claim federal incentives, please visit: Home Upgrades | Department of Energy