We Energies Time-of-Use (TOU) Program
Shift some usage to off-peak hours and lower your bill.

Website: https://www.we-energies.com/services/time-of-use

“I switched to this tariff about two years ago. I didn’t change a single habit at first — and still saved money. Over half of my electricity was billed at the lower off-peak rate, while many neighbors still pay across the board simply because they haven’t called to switch. Result? Nearly $50 saved in July 2025 alone while using 100 more kilowatts than the previous year. I agree with the CUB — TOU works,” Duncan explained.

Wisconsin IRA Home Energy Rebates
New federal rebates (administered through Focus on Energy) for insulation, heat pumps, electrical upgrades, and whole-home efficiency improvements.
Website: https://focusonenergy.com/home-energy-rebates

“I used a $2,500 grant to upgrade electrical service, plus an additional $400 for insulation to keep out Wisconsin’s winter and summer heat. I called today to see if I have anything left over because I’m interested in a heat-reclaiming dryer with no exterior vent. As I always say: if you don’t take advantage of it, you’re leaving money on the table,” Duncan said.

Free Focus on Energy Kit
LEDs, weather-stripping, efficient shower heads, and more — one free kit every year.
Website: https://focusonenergy.com/residential/energy-saving-packs

“I’ve been getting my free box way back when their offering included curly-fries-looking CFC bulbs. Now I don’t buy any lightbulbs because I get the free LED ones in the mail,” Duncan said.

Resources for Near West Side Renters and Homeowners

Website: https://nearwestsidemke.org/home-and-renting-resources/

Near West Side Partners is dedicated to increasing homeownership in the Near West Side and assisting tenants to ensure housing stability. If you are a homeowner, looking to become a homeowner or stay on the Near West Side in a rental property, consult the resources below for home repair grants, down payment incentives and additional resources.

Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin (CUB)
Straightforward tips for reducing energy use and understanding your bill.
Website: https://cubwi.org/with-prices-on-the-rise-some-tips-for-saving-energy/

Smart Thermostat Rewards
Get $25 for signing up and a $6.25 bill credit each month from June through September — $50 in the first year.
Website: https://www.we-energies.com/services/smart-thermostat-rewards-program

“This one took me a while. I personally don’t like how Google engineers ruined NEST thermostats, and I’ll probably switch to ECOBEE whenever mine breaks. I finally got it to communicate, and June’s savings literally wiped out the cost of cooking meals at home, creating a negative balance for my natural gas cost. Dave, our neighborhood newsletter publisher, told us about this program when he was still grandfathered in, and I was happy to see it return,” Duncan shared.

STRONG Homes Loan Program

One highlight of the 2015 City Budget was the creation of the STRONG Homes Loan Program. This new program will assist current homeowners to make essential home repairs and abate code violations at their properties. Eligible items include replacing a roof, replacing a failing porch, repairing or replacing deteriorating siding or failing exterior paint, and correcting hazardous conditions or building code violations.

If a homeowner remains in their home for ten years after the completion of the work, 25% of the STRONG Homes loan will be forgiven.

Learn more about this exciting new program at:

https://city.milwaukee.gov/DCD/NIDC/STRONGloan

Homebuyer Assistance Program

Forgivable Loans up to $25,000 for the Rehabilitation of City-Owned Homes

Are you interested in purchasing and fixing up a City-owned home? As part of Mayor Barrett’s STRONG Neighborhoods Plan, the City of Milwaukee’s Neighborhood Improvement Development Corporation (NIDC) is providing fully forgivable loans of up to $25,000 to assist owner-occupant buyers with the rehabilitation of City-owned foreclosed homes.

The Homebuyer Assistance Program is available throughout the City of Milwaukee, is not limited to first time homebuyers, and has no maximum income limits for qualification. As part of the program, applicants are provided free technical assistance to help with scope of work development, soliciting bids from licensed contractors, and monitoring rehabilitation.

Click here to find out more!

City of Milwaukee

The City of Milwaukee, through NIDC, works with works with City departments, community-based agencies, financial institutions, developers, local foundations, and most importantly, residents, to improve Milwaukee's neighborhoods. Visit this link to learn more about current programs.

Housing Resources Inc.

Housing Resources Incorporated (HRI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families purchase their own homes. Click here to learn more!

ACTS Housing

Our work enabling low-income homeownership for the last 20 years proves that homeownership is possible and transformative for families even in Milwaukee’s most challenged neighborhoods. Each year, ACTS helps over 100 families buy and rehab their own homes. Take a look!

Focus on Energy

Focus on Energy helps Wisconsin residents lower their energy consumption and costs by making their homes more energy efficient. Need a new furnace? Buying a heating system and air conditioner at the same time? Tired of ice dams or cold rooms? The Residential Rewards Program offers Cash-Back Rewards for heating and cooling equipment as well as attic insulation and air sealing. Enhanced Rewards are available for heating and cooling equipment for income-qualified participants. Improve your house and save money -- learn more here!

The Martin Drive Neighborhood is affordable, diverse and has a great location.

Check out current homes for sale here - listings

For more reasons why you should buy in Martin Drive, see our presentation!