The Inflation Reduction Act authorized two new offerings- Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate Program (HEAR.) Together, these two offerings will make up the Kansas Home Rebates Program administered through the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). The rebates will help Kansas residents save money on select home improvement projects.

Kansas single and multi-family homeowners, landlords, and renters with proof of landlord permission who meet income and eligibility requirements may qualify for Program rebates. The Program is designed for residential buildings only. Agricultural, commercial, and industrial facilities do not qualify. For more information visit kshomerebatstg.wpenginepowered.com.

No, projects must be installed by an approved program contractor.

No. The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has submitted applications for the Kansas allocation of Home Energy Rebate Programs funding and is now awaiting DOE’s review and approval to proceed with program launch. Kansas’s ability to establish Home Energy Rebate Programs is contingent on the availability of federal funding for these programs. Any work done prior to acceptance of a rebate application will not be eligible for rebates in this program.

The Kansas Home Rebates Program was originally anticipated to launch in 2025; however, a definitive launch date has not yet been established. The program remains pending approval of its blueprint plans by the DOE. The Kansas Home Rebates Program is currently assessing how the recent federal funding freezes and executive orders may affect our programs and operations.

As this is an evolving situation with frequent updates, we are working diligently to understand the full scope of impact while awaiting additional federal guidance. The Kansas Home Rebates Program will keep its partners, stakeholders, and interested Kansans informed of any developments as more information becomes available. All parties are encouraged to register for email updates via the Program website for the most current information regarding the launch timeline and program developments.

The Program website will have an online application for applicants to apply, submit documentation, find contractors, schedule appointments, track progress, and complete projects. The Program will also have call-in and mail options for applicants that do not have access to the internet.

Yes, rental properties are included as part of the Kansas Home Rebates Program. Tenants of single-family and multifamily residential buildings can apply for the rebates with permission from their landlords. For the Home Energy Rebate programs, household income status is based on tenant income. Collaboration between landlords and applicants who are renters will be important to the Program.

Manufactured and mobile homes are eligible housing types for Home Energy Rebates.

Final program decisions regarding required documentation are pending approval from the DOE. However, applicants may be asked to provide a form of state-issued identification (such as a driver’s license or passport), proof of residency and/or property owner authorization (such as a utility bill or lease agreement). To prove income eligibility, applications must include a form of income documentation, including, but not limited to, tax documents W2, and current pay stubs.

Eligible rebate amounts are dependent on the Program path selected, household income and existing conditions of the home. Rebate caps are being finalized with the Department of Energy. The caps will be published closer to the program launch. Sign up for updates to be notified of program developments.

Collaboration and partnership with utilities are essential for designing a successful Program across Kansas. For example, utility data access sharing is crucial to minimize burdens for Program applicants and ensure efficient access to the program. Efforts will be made to partner with utilities for utility data access, and additional collaboration opportunities will be explored with the overall goal of maximizing impact and serving as many Kansas households as possible.

Calculated area median income is based on income levels in the county in which you live. You can find more information here:

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html#2023_query

 Click on “click here for FY 2025 IL documentation.” Select KS and your county, and you will see the area median income for your county.

The Program will be designed to serve the low to moderate income communities without access to financing methods. Once intake documentation is reviewed, the household will receive notification of the expected rebate amounts. Since this Program is state-run, we will not be able to add payment options onto utility bills.

Households enrolled in any of the federal programs approved for categorical eligibility will be automatically eligible for the Kansas Home Rebates Program. Recognized programs for Categorical Eligibility by the U.S. Department of Energy under each program are listed below or can be viewed here.

• HER & HEAR (automatically eligible for <80% AMI)
  • Recognized programs:
    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    • Medicaid
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Head Start
    • Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications (Lifeline)
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
    • National School Lunch Program – Free (NSLP)
    • Housing Improvement Program (HIP)
    • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) (if 80% AMI is greater than 200% of Federal Poverty Level)
    • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) (if 80% AMI is greater than 185% of Federal Poverty Level)
    • Verified government or non-profit program serving Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) persons or households (eligible ONLY for lower rebate amount) (HEAR only)
  • Recognized Multifamily Housing Programs:
    • Public Housing (owned and operated by Public Housing Authorities)
    • Privately owned multifamily buildings receiving project-based assistance (Section 8, Section 202, Section 811)
    • Privately-owned multifamily buildings that house residents receiving tenant-based assistance
    • Section 42 Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
      • This is not tax advice. Refer to guidance issued by the IRS for detailed information on the rules associated with tax credits.

There are multiple paths for an applicant to confirm income eligibility. Applicants can verify income through submittal of approved income documentation or by providing proof of categorical eligibility through participation in approved low-income programs, or by submitting an IRS 1040 or W-2 form for review.

DOE has allocated $105.6 million in funding to support the KS Home Rebates Program. The funding will be split between the HER and HEAR offerings.

We are designing a 3–4-year program term like most states, but the federal deadline for expenditure of these funds is not until September 30, 2031. If Program funding is exhausted before the expected time frame, the Program will end based on all rebate funding distributed to Kansas households.

There are no incentives for new construction in the Kansas Home Efficiency Rebate Program. Under the Home Electrification and Appliance Program as part of new construction, states have some flexibility to allow households to receive a rebate for a qualified project. However, states are not required to provide rebates for new construction. Rebates will only be permitted for envelope measures (e.g., insulation, air sealing, ventilation, electric wiring, and electric load service center) for new construction in Kansas.

Yes. We will have a list of Program-approved contractors participating in our closed contractor network listed on the Program website. To be eligible for rebates, the installation must be performed by a Program-approved contractor.

Yes. The Program is collaborating with DOE to create a Qualified Products List that is specific to Kansas.

Several listening sessions and roundtables have already taken place to gather feedback from the local community, state agencies, trade ally/contractor and workforce development organizations. We are incorporating the feedback received regarding the Program design.

Yes. We have been in contact with weatherization agencies for the state and will be partnering with them throughout the Program to help inform design and delivery of the rebates across Kansas communities.

The Kansas Home Rebate Program is in the process of establishing detailed eligibility criteria, and potential upfront costs are dependent on household eligibility. Households with incomes above 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) should expect potential upfront costs, as they may be responsible for covering a portion of the costs not covered by the rebate. The rebate amount is determined based on income levels, the projected energy savings, and the cost of the measure(s). The rebate is designed to incentivize the installation of energy-saving products and services that are eligible in the Kansas Home Rebate Program. The Kansas Home Rebate Program design seeks to minimize out-of-pocket costs for low-income households where possible.

The Kansas Home Rebates Program will be designed to make rebates easily accessible for homeowners. Eligible participants may receive rebate amounts through reduced pricing for qualified projects and equipment. The rebate amounts will be factored into project costs prior to installation.

If you need to begin home energy upgrades before the Kansas Home Rebates Program launches, you have several options for support. The Program does not recommend that households wait to accomplish needed home energy upgrades or projects. While the Program itself is not yet available, other resources may help cover costs or provide technical assistance. In addition to state-run Weatherization Assistance Programs and Utility Programs, consider the following resources:

• Weatherization Assistance Programs: These programs offer free or low-cost energy efficiency upgrades for qualifying households. Visit this site https://kshousingcorp.org/homeownership/weatherization-assistance/ to learn more and check eligibility requirements.
• Utility Programs: Many local utilities offer rebates, low-interest loans, or energy audits to help customers improve home energy efficiency. Contact your utility provider directly for details.
• Local Government Programs: Your city or county may operate additional programs or partner with nonprofits to support home energy upgrades. Visit your county or municipal website for information about local rebates, grants, or assistance programs.
• Non-profit and Community Organizations: Organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Community Action Agencies, or local housing authorities sometimes offer energy efficiency assistance, especially for low-income or senior households.

By exploring these resources, you may find support that fits your household’s needs while you wait for the Kansas Home Rebates Program to become available. Remember to verify eligibility and program details, as offerings may vary by location and household income.

Home energy assessments are comprehensive studies that determine an overall efficiency rating and identify potential conservation measures for the home. These studies result in recommendations for energy efficiency projects that will maximize energy savings, indoor air quality and home comfort.

Program-approved energy assessors will be conducting the home assessments. The approved closed contractor network listing (that includes energy assessors) will be on the Program website at the time of Program launch in 2025.

Contractors interested in working directly with the Kansas Home Rebates Program are encouraged to visit the Contractors page on the Program website, where they can complete the Contractor Interest Form to express their interest in becoming a Program-approved contractor.

For further inquiries, please contact [email protected].

No. Retroactive rebates are not available. Projects completed before the Program launch date will not qualify for rebates. In order to be eligible for rebates in the Kansas Home Rebates Program the household must submit the application data, be approved and have the work performed by a Program-approved contractor.

The Program is being designed to ensure the rebates are available to Kansans’ most in need. Based on the DOE guidance, rebate amounts will be determined by the household income, with the highest level of rebate available to lower income households.

Once the intake documentation is submitted, you will be notified about your eligibility. Once approved, you will receive a list of Program-approved contractors. A home assessment timeframe will be established based on scheduling availability in your area. The project installation timing will depend on the equipment and services that are recommended. Your contractor will stay connected to you throughout the process.

Applicants can select their own contractor from a list of Program-approved contractors when applicable. Kansas is planning to use highly skilled and qualified contractors who meet the Program standards required by federal guidance.  To be included in the Program-approved list, contractors must participate in trade-specific, baseline technical proficiency validation and/or training offerings, and a Program-specific administrative orientation process. Projects must be completed by a Program-approved contractor to be eligible for rebates.

The Program will collect data from various sources. A strict information and security policy will be in place to protect all collected Program data including limiting sensitive data collection, use of encryption software for transmitting PII, multi-factor authentication for account access, and immediate reporting and action on all potential breaches.

The Program is developing quality assurance and control protocols as part of our Consumer Protection Plan to prevent and resolve adverse customer interactions. This plan will be publicly available prior to Program launch in 2025.

The Program team is developing marketing and education plans based on feedback from community-based organizations, state agencies, contractors, and utility providers to best reach households and tenants throughout rural Kansas.

Contractors will play a key role in the Program’s success as they will conduct assessments and perform installations. Please visit the Contractors page on the Program website to learn more about the role are participating Contractors and how to get involved.  

Contractors interested in becoming an approved contractor with the Kansas Home Rebates Program are encouraged to visit the Contractors page on the Program website, where they can complete the Contractor Interest Form to express their interest in becoming a Program-approved contractor.

Contractors are also invited to participate in a monthly virtual information session that provides an overview of the Program, Contractor expectations, participation benefits, next steps for Contractor enrollment, and a detailed walkthrough of eligible measures and project scope. Additionally, information regarding the Program’s timeline and upcoming steps will be shared, and contractors will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback in real time.

For further inquiries, please contact [email protected].

To become a Program- approved contractor, you will need to demonstrate technical competency and capacity to complete installations.  Contractors will also participate in trade-specific, baseline technical proficiency validation and/or training offerings, and a Rebates Program administrative orientation.

No. All interested contractors will need to complete the Kansas Home Rebates onboarding process.

No, contractors will not receive incentives for assisting Program applicants with the completion of their applications. When the Program is launched, Contractors are encouraged to direct applicants who require help with the application process to designated Program staff for support. If a Program-approved contractor refers a customer to the Program and that customer is subsequently deemed eligible, the applicant may choose to have that contractor complete their project. This process can provide added value to the Contractor’s existing customers should they apply and qualify for participation in the Program.

Program participants will access the Program-approved contractor list and will make their own selection. However, if a participant was referred to the Program by a contractor, they will be directed to that contractor first.

Program-approved contractors will benefit from increased visibility on the Program website, expanding expertise through quality assurance and training opportunities, and the opportunity to earn incentives for qualified completed projects.

Contractors will not be enrolled until the Kansas Home Rebates Program application and plans are approved by the U.S. Department of Energy. While awaiting approval, the Program is actively engaging with contractors throughout the state. If you are interested in participating as a Program-approved contractor in Kansas, please fill out this survey to capture your interest. More information will become available for interested contractors in the coming months.

The Program is developing partnerships with other state agencies, local governments, utility companies & cooperatives, distributors, contractors, housing authorities, and other community-based organizations focused on housing, workforce development, and/or serving underserved communities. If you are interested in hearing the discussions, follow this link: Listening Session

Electric cooperative members/customers will be eligible for rebates if they meet the Program eligibility criteria. The Program is working with local electric cooperatives to increase awareness of the rebates in their often-underserved service areas.

Community-based organizations and other Non-Profit organizations can play a vital role in helping Kansas residents access rebates through the Kansas Home Rebates Program. The Program actively seeks partnerships with trusted local organizations to ensure outreach is culturally relevant and reaches underserved communities.

To initiate a partnership: 

• Email the Program Team at [email protected] to express your interest and describe your organization’s mission and community reach.
• Visit the Program website to stay updated on program status and view recorded engagement sessions.
• Complete the Civic & Social Organizations specific survey to provide feedback and signal your interest in collaboration.

If you’re a community-based organization in Kansas, especially in rural or underserved areas, your involvement can help ensure equitable access to rebates, support local contractors, and drive economic development in your region.