New Home Construction

Stock Picture of a Home

New Home Construction

When you design for energy efficiency from day one, you build homes that are easier to keep cool in summer and easier to heat in winter. You also build homes that are more comfortable, inviting and enjoyable for the families that will call them home.

With our New Home Construction program, you can earn up to $2,000 in rebates when you build to ENERGY STAR® standards. As an alternative to ENERGY STAR, a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rebate will be available for single-family homes and townhomes that achieve a 56 or lower HERS score.

Build an ENERGY STAR certified home and we'll provide you with double the rebate! See Incentive Chart for details.

What is ENERGY STAR certification?

ENERGY STAR homes are built to meet the highest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency energy efficiency guidelines and include the latest energysaving equipment and features. Rebates are paid based on achieving ENERGY STAR certification and a given home’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score.

What is a HERS Index score?

As the industry standard for measuring a home’s energy efficiency, the HERS Index scores a home based on comprehensive software modeling and in-person testing. The lower the score, the more efficient the home. On average, Consumers Energy ENERGY STAR homes score 47% better than typical homes.

Your ENERGY STAR home buyers will enjoy the following benefits for years to come:

  • Reduced energy bills — certified homes deliver approximately 20% savings on annual energy bills according to ENERGY STAR.
  • Higher resale value — certified homes sell at a higher premium than comparable homes that don't have an ENERGY STAR rating.
  • Improved indoor air quality.
  • A more comfortable home environment for higher customer satisfaction.
  • Help protect Michigan's environment by participating in the Clean Energy Plan for years to come.

Visit ENERGY STAR to learn more

As a Participating Builder, you can experience:

  • A distinguished presence by leading ENERGY STAR market transformation.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction.
  • Improved reputation for a commitment to energy efficiency.
  • Financial incentives, onsite technical training, and marketing and sales collateral to educate homebuyers.

Consumers Energy is proud to support ENERGY STAR and Michigan builders with rebates for energy efficient homes.

For more information on becoming a Consumers Energy New Home Construction Builder, email CENewHomes@icf.com or visit our website for more information.

Program Updates

An Important Message From Consumers Energy Regarding COVID-19 and Energy Efficiency Programs

Our safety culture extends beyond our walls to protect the customers and communities we serve, including our participating contractors. We want to make sure you are aware of the guidance issued by the State of Michigan and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in keeping yourselves, your employees and your customers safe and healthy at this time.

Download PDF

Federal Tax Credits Extended For Energy Efficiency Projects

For participants who are not already aware, we'd like to share some exciting information about the renewal of Federal Income Tax Credits For Home Builders. These Federal Tax Credits are good through Dec. 31, 2020 and can help builders offset the cost of upgrades even further. Please speak with your tax advisor about any tax credits you plan to claim.

Download PDF