AU TRAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In April 2025, the state’s department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) launched the Michigan Home Energy Rebates program. (MiHER) Over its lifespan, the initiative has assisted 12,000 low to moderate income households statewide, by covering costs of whole-home upgrades to things like heating and cooling systems, electrical equipment, and appliances.
This has merged well into the Upper Peninsula, including for Au Train resident Emily Molnar, who was able to receive an air conditioning and heating unit, as well as a new water heater and electrical panel installed outside her house.
“The impacts are incredible,” Molnar said. “There are a lot of residents that may be struggling and needing this assistance, especially with our very cold winters. Not only does this provide another heating solution for me, but it also provides air conditioning, which I did not have before.”
The federally funded $211 million program is split into two parts, both through Home Efficiency Rebates and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates, totaling an eligibility of up to $34,000. Depending on contractor availability, including through Great Lakes Weatherization, the various projects can take up to a year to complete.
“With time comes a lot of good things, the program has definitely been a good collaboration,” said Great Lakes Weatherization specialist, Jonathan Waltz.
So far in the U.P., 400 households have signed up for the program, with about 40 completed and 150 still in progress. On average, EGLE says they’re seeing an investment of around $15,000 per home, and that qualifications are lenient.
“A lot of people end up getting qualified for the program. You might be surprised that you’re qualified,” explained EGLE Chief of Staff, Gillian Gainsley. “Certainly anyone who qualifies for any sort of assistance, that helps you seamlessly transition into the program.”
MiHER holds a projection of assisting roughly 15,000 homes in the state. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/HomeEnergyRebates.
