FREE ENERGY STAR® Homes Program

Differentiate yourself from the competition while building a reputation for quality and value

Xcel Energy provides training consultation, diagnostic testing for the building industry, and ENERGY STAR® Certification. This free program helps you create homes that surpass all other homes in terms of comfort, energy efficiency, moisture control, air quality and durability. You build a reputation for quality and value by offering your customers a home that not only saves them up to 30% on monthly energy bills, but also helps improve the environment.

Receive Free Services Valued at $950

• Detailed energy analysis of plans
• On-site consultation during construction
• Detailed reports
• ENERGY STAR® Certification
• Rebates available for installation of electric equipment, appliances and lights, up to $500 – See rebate amounts and criteria below.

$2000 Home Energy Tax Credit

Xcel Energy and our contractor, Residential Science Resources, have the required software and testing procedures in place to generate the tax credit forms. We can determine IN ADVANCE if a home is likely to qualify for the tax credit—so you won’t lose time or money determining if a house will be certified. For more information, click on the link for the Tax Credit brochure below.

Costs Per House for Tax Credit Testing

• Home Efficiency Electric & Gas Program Participant              FREE
• Home Efficiency Gas Program Participant                                $300
• Additional Testing/Duct Leakage Test (if needed)                   $400
• The fees are charged only if the home is certified.

Benefits to the Home Builder

• Increases your knowledge of building science
• Increases quality control
• Increases customer service
• Increases profit margin
• Third party verification

Benefits to Your Customers

• Up to 30% lower energy costs
• Healthier indoor air quality
• Increases durability
• More comfortable and quieter home
• Higher resale value

The ENERGY STAR® Homes program is available where Xcel Energy provides natural gas residential service in Minnesota. Communities that Xcel Energy serves.

To Learn More
For more information about the ENERGY STAR® Homes program and tax credit, download the program brochures below. To participate in the program contact our partner Residential Science Resources at (612) 964-0032.

• Builder Brochure
• Consumer Brochure
• Tax Credit Brochure

Rebates To Builders - Home Efficiency Electric

The electric rebates are available to homes in our Minnesota electric service area. Builders can participate in either the gas or electric option—or both if the home has Xcel Energy gas and electric service.

An inspector visits the home to ensure that the equipment is present and to obtain model specifications of the air conditioner and furnace. The information is then submitted to us and we mail you the rebate check.