Home Energy Resource MN
FAQsGlossary

Project ReEnergize

Welcome to Project ReEnergize, a program distributing homeowner rebates, mailed directly to the homeowner, for energy efficient home upgrades created as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Project ReEnergize program concluded June 1st, 2010 and no further funding is available at this time. Should further funding become available that information will be made public.

The energy efficiency measures eligible for rebate are:

Energy Efficiency Measures Eligible For Rebate Maximum Rebate per Household
Replacement Energy Star window without attic air sealing $250 per window
Replacement Energy Star window with attic air sealing $300 per window
Advanced air sealing of attic $800
Attic insulation $800
Exterior wall insulation $800
Replacing orphaned atmospherically vented water heater $750

Heating systems are not eligible for rebates as was previously publicized. Talk to a Project ReEnergize Qualified Contractor to see if you qualify for utility rebates or the $1,500 federal tax credit available for high efficiency furnace and boilers.

The maximum rebate available per home for eligible energy efficient upgrades without attic air sealing is $2,500.

The maximum rebate available per home for eligible energy efficient upgrades with attic air sealing is $4,000. An additional $750 is available for replacing orphaned atmospherically vented water heaters (available only with attic air sealing.)

Program Requirements

  • Home must be owner-occupied and constructed prior to the year 2000.
  • Must work with a Project ReEnergize qualified contractor, licensed by the state of Minnesota. A list of Project ReEnergize Qualified Contractors is posted at www.projectReEnergize.org/contractor-list.aspx
  • Only work completed after October 1, 2009 is eligible for rebates.
  • Rebate eligible energy efficient projects must be completed before rebate application can be submitted.
Age of Housing Constructed prior to 2000.
Square Footage 3,000 square feet or less; not including basements, garages or crawlspaces.
Ownership Homeowner with permission to alter building shell; owner occupied primary residence. This does not include condominiums, mobile homes and second residences.
Income Limits There are no household income limits. Only properties meeting the square footage limit are eligible for rebates.
Do-It-Yourself Work Property owners must hire qualified contractors to earn a rebate. The contractor must pull all required building permits. Do it yourself work or work by unlicensed contractors will not earn credits.
Rebate Distribution Only one rebate check per household.
Geographical Location Rebates will be geographically distributed into 3 - 5 zones by % of state population base. Zones will be determined by OES.
Limitations On Other Programs This program has no limitations on other incentives that property owners may receive including the $1,500 federal tax credit; utility rebates; and other incentives. Determining compliance and applying for other incentives outside this program is the property owner's responsibility.

History

On February 17, 2009 the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was signed into law by the federal government. According to Recovery.gov, "The Act will save and create three to four million jobs, 90 percent of them in the private sector."

Accordingly, the 2009 Minnesota Legislature passed a comprehensive bill to provide guidance on how to spend the federal stimulus funding allotted to Minnesota. Senate File 657 was signed into law May 21, 2009 and appropriated $7.65 million dollars for residential energy efficiency programs.

$2.5 million in rebates have been allocated to increase residential energy savings and create construction jobs in the state of Minnesota. And so, Project ReEnergize was born.

Incentive Finder Coming Soon

A feature will soon be added allowing you to find out about all the energy efficiency rebates, tax credits and programs available to you by entering your geographic location. Check back in October.

If you are a CONSUMER click here

If you are a CONTRACTOR click here

The Builders Association of Minnesota (BAM) is administering Project ReEnergize on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Commerce. BAM is a statewide trade association representing over 3,500 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction and other aspects of the residential and light commercial construction industry. For more information visit: www.bamn.org

This project was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Project Partners

Please be aware that the opportunity to receive any rebate money from Project ReEnergize (the "Program") is contingent on the approval of a Rebate Application, submitted by the homeowner, in BAM's sole discretion, the completion of upgrades in accordance with the requirements of Project ReEnergize, and the availability of rebate funds at the time the Application is processed. Funds shall be distributed on a first come, first serve basis and Builders Association of Minnesota ("BAM") makes no representation or guaranty as to the availability of funds at any particular time or for any particular project.

Those interested in participating in the Program should review and be aware of Project ReEnergize's terms at the time of application. Strict compliance with all terms and guidelines of Project ReEnergize is required to be eligible to receive any funds through the Program.

Only Project ReEnergize qualified contractors who have completed the required Program training will be eligible to perform rebate work. BAM and all applicable government agencies expressly disclaim any representations or warranties, whether express or implied, with regard to the habitability, merchantability, or fitness for a particular purpose of any eligible improvements made under the Program. Homeowners shall look solely to their Contractors with regard to any warranty claims. BAM and any applicable governmental agency shall not be responsible for any mitigation responsibility, claims or damages arising from the work performed, including defect or warranty claims related to increased humidity levels in the home caused by air sealing.

BAM values the integrity of the Program and shall aggressively pursue any act of misappropriation or fraud. Homeowners and Contractors are encouraged to carefully review the guidelines and terms of Project ReEnergize prior to the submission of any documentation or contact BAM at 1-800-654-7783 with any questions regarding the Program.