Cutting your energy bills while making your Plymouth or Canton home more comfortable sounds great. Figuring out where to start can feel confusing. Michigan’s new Home Energy Rebates can cover major upgrades and lower your out-of-pocket costs if you follow a few key steps. This guide breaks down who qualifies, what you can get, and exactly how to apply locally. Let’s dive in.
Michigan rebates at a glance
Michigan’s Home Energy Rebates (MiHER) combine two programs to support efficiency and electrification upgrades. The state received about $211 million and expects to serve up to roughly 15,000 households. You may be eligible for up to $34,000 in combined rebates across the two programs, subject to how your project is scoped and approved. State program updates confirm the rollout and funding.
MiHER is available statewide, with application portals and contractor lists live. Portions of the program continue to phase in through the contractor network, so always confirm portal status before starting work. See the state’s overview and FAQs for current details on eligibility and process in Michigan’s program materials and MiHER FAQs.
Who qualifies in Plymouth/Canton
You can apply if you are a homeowner or renter in a qualifying home or multifamily unit. Landlord permission is required when applicable. New construction is not eligible, and you must receive program approval before installation. Review the state’s MiHER FAQs to confirm your situation.
MiHER uses Area Median Income (AMI) to set rebate levels:
- Enhanced rebates for households at or below 80% AMI
- Standard rebates for households between 81% and 150% AMI
For planning in Wayne County, approximate FY2025 HUD figures show 80% AMI around $56,600 for a 1-person household and $80,800 for a 4-person household. Confirm the current table used at application time with HUD or local sources, such as the City of Westland’s HUD income limits page.
What the rebates cover
MiHER has two parts, and you can use both if you do not double-fund the same measure.
Home Efficiency Rebates (HER). Whole-home projects that model or measure significant energy savings, typically 15 to 20 percent or more. Eligible measures can include insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, ventilation, and heating or cooling upgrades. The maximum is up to $20,000 per household. See the state’s program overview in EGLE’s materials.
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR). Efficient electric technologies and related upgrades with line-item caps. Examples include a heat pump for heating and cooling (up to $8,000), electric wiring upgrades (up to $2,500), insulation and ventilation line items around $1,600, a heat pump water heater ($1,750), and an electric stove or dryer ($840). The HEAR maximum is up to $14,000 per household. For specifics and any updates, review the MiHER FAQs.
No double funding. You generally cannot claim HER and HEAR for the same measure. Check measure-level exclusions and guidance in the MiHER portal Help Center.
Tax treatment. The state indicates these rebates are treated as a reduction in purchase price, not taxable income. Federal tax credits can interact with rebates, so review the IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and confirm details before filing.
How to apply step by step
Follow the process closely. Do not start work until MiHER approves your application and scope.
Apply in the MiHER portal and wait for acceptance. Use the state’s “Get a rebate” guidance for links to apply and confirm eligibility. Start here.
Choose an approved contractor from the program’s registered list. Eligible work must be performed by a MiHER-approved contractor. See contractor guidance.
Schedule a home assessment. Your contractor models energy savings and submits a scope for approval.
Complete the approved work. The contractor submits Quality Installation Documentation. The program may schedule inspections.
Rebate payment. MiHER typically pays the contractor after final approval. The state targets about 30 days from documentation approval to payment.
Documents to gather
Have these ready when you apply:
- Government-issued ID and proof of residency
- Household income documentation for AMI (pay stubs, recent tax return)
- Recent energy bills and utility account number
- Any documentation of participation in qualifying assistance programs
The state’s application page outlines what you need in the Get a rebate guide.
Local tips for Plymouth/Canton
Do not start early. MiHER will not fund retroactive work. Wait for written approval before signing contracts or installing measures. See the MiHER FAQs.
Check utility rebates. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy offer insulation, heat pump, and assessment incentives that may stack with MiHER in some cases. Rules vary, so confirm before bidding or bundling work. Review DTE Energy residential rebates and Consumers Energy programs.
If you plan to sell. MiHER usually pays the contractor, and for taxes the rebate is treated as a price reduction. If upgrades are approved and completed before listing, keep all program paperwork and invoices. Buyers and agents will want clear documentation of the scope, approvals, and final costs. See contractor and process notes in the state’s guidance.
If you are buying. New construction is not eligible. For older homes that need upgrades, timing matters. Discuss with your contractor and the seller whether MiHER approvals and work can be completed before closing, and confirm program requirements in the MiHER FAQs.
Where to apply and get help
- State program info and FAQs. Read the latest eligibility and program updates in Michigan EGLE’s materials and MiHER FAQs.
- MiHER portal and Help Center. Apply, check status, and find registered contractors in the MiHER portal Help Center.
- Contractor requirements. Verify your installer is enrolled on the EGLE contractors page.
Make your plan
A little planning can unlock meaningful savings on comfort upgrades in Plymouth and Canton. Check your AMI band, line up an approved contractor, and get your scope approved before work begins. If you are timing improvements with a purchase or sale, coordinate early so the rebates and documentation support your goals.
Have questions about how energy upgrades might impact your sale or search in Plymouth or Canton? Connect with Christine Faeth, The Faeth Team for local guidance on aligning your real estate plan with today’s rebate opportunities.
FAQs
How much can a Plymouth/Canton household get from Michigan’s rebates?
- You may be eligible for up to $34,000 combined across HER and HEAR, depending on your scope, approvals, and income tier, as outlined in the state’s program announcement.
Do I have to use an approved contractor for MiHER?
- Yes, eligible work must be performed by a registered MiHER contractor, and payments are typically made to the contractor after completion; verify enrollment on the EGLE contractors page.
Can I start work before my MiHER application is approved?
- No, pre-approval is required and the program will not fund retroactive work; review timing and approval requirements in the MiHER FAQs.
Are MiHER rebates taxable income to homeowners?
- The state indicates rebates are treated as a reduction in purchase price, not taxable income; for how rebates interact with federal credits, see the IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and confirm details before filing.
What income levels apply for Wayne County households?
- MiHER uses Area Median Income bands, with Enhanced rebates up to 80% AMI and Standard rebates up to 150% AMI; for planning, see approximate FY2025 limits on the City of Westland HUD income limits page.
Can I combine MiHER with DTE or Consumers Energy rebates?
- In some cases you can stack incentives, but rules vary and some rebates affect tax-credit calculations; confirm with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy before you bid work.