Shields Up: What Homes Can Do to Come Out on Top of Rising Energy Bills
New research from Green Homeowners United analyzes 200 Wisconsin homes to identify the upgrades that actually lower energy bills — and how much homeowners can save
Energy costs are climbing across the United States, and Wisconsin homeowners and renters are feeling the pressure. Contributing factors include rapid data center growth, aging transmission infrastructure, and shifts in energy policy that have deprioritized renewable sources like wind and solar. This report from Green Homeowners United — a woman-owned, LIUNA union contractor based in West Allis, Wisconsin — presents findings from 200 income-qualifying residential energy assessments conducted in Milwaukee and La Crosse between 2025 and early 2026.
What the Research Found
Energy bills are rising, and homeowners are left wondering what they can do. Data center growth, aging infrastructure, and shifting energy policy are pushing costs higher — but there are proven steps your home can take right now.
Green Homeowners United analyzed 200 income-qualifying energy assessments in Milwaukee and La Crosse — the most comprehensive apples-to-apples comparison of home energy efficiency savings in Wisconsin. Here's what moves the needle most:
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Basement insulation saves homeowners an average of $173/year — and up to $550+
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Heat pump water heaters save an average of $314/year for homes with electric water heaters
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Attic insulation & air sealing saves an average of $119/year
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Air sealing alone saves an average of $64/year, and for some homes over $300
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Upgrading 38,471 homes to be energy efficient would effectively cover the energy use of a 200mw data center, and create 1,001 union jobs in the process
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Upgrading homes to be energy efficient was the second least expensive way, after wind power, to source the amount of power needed for the data center(s). Less than nuclear, coal, natural gas and solar/storage!
Is Help Available?
Through the IRA HOMES rebate program, qualifying Wisconsin homeowners can receive up to $10,000 in instant rebates on efficiency upgrades — no waiting for a tax season.
Upgrading just 38,471 Wisconsin homes would offset the energy demand of one 200MW data center — and create over 1,000 union jobs in the process.
Get the Full Report
Not all energy assessments qualify for these rebates—but ours do. We use approved software and certified professionals to ensure your project meets federal requirements.
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Already had an energy assessment from another company? You may need a new one to qualify.
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We serve Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine, and surrounding counties across Southeast Wisconsin.