2026 MULTIFAMILY PROGRAM CUSTOM INCENTIVE GUIDE
HOW TO APPLY NEED HELP? CALL 800.762.7077
Use this guide to help you move through the custom incentive process. To be put in contact with an Energy Advisor, call 800.762.7077 for assistance. UNDERSTANDING CUSTOM INCENTIVES
Custom incentives are for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades not found in the FOCUS ON ENERGY® Rebate Catalogs. These incentives are for nonstandard technologies or for projects that do not include a 1-for-1 replacement. Custom incentive amounts are determined by the estimated first-year energy savings when completing energy efficiency or renewable energy upgrades to equipment or processes. Custom projects must involve measures that result in a permanent reduction in electric and/or natural gas energy usage due to an improvement in system efficiency. Projects resulting in reduced energy consumption without an improvement in system efficiency (e.g., manually turning equipment off) are not eligible for a custom incentive. However, projects involving the installation or addition of an automated control technology, such as an energy management system, may be eligible for an incentive. The custom incentive rates found in this guide are eligible for projects requesting pre-approval between January 1 and December 31, 2026. Custom incentive rates are locked-in upon pre-approval of a proposed project. Incentives are subject to change and cannot exceed project costs.
RENEWABLE ENERGY Biogas, biomass, hydroelectric, wind, and solar thermal systems are eligible for a renewable energy custom incentive as detailed in this guide. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems may qualify for standard renewable rebates. For more information on Solar PV rebates, visit focusonenergy.com/business/renewables .
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WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Pre-approval is required prior to ordering equipment, issuing purchase orders, or contracting labor. Projects initiated prior to pre-approval are ineligible for incentives. Notify your Energy Advisor as soon as possible if an expedited pre-approval is needed or if there is a time constraint for ordering equipment. Pre-approval is signified by issuance of an Incentive Agreement. To secure pre-approval, your Energy Advisor will need project documentation, which could include proposals, specification sheets, utility data, and energy savings calculations, if available. The method and assumptions used to calculate the annual energy savings will be reviewed or completed by Focus on Energy as part of the pre-approval process. Focus on Energy is solely responsible for the final determination of the annual energy savings used in calculating the incentive amount.
step 1 BEFORE APPLYING
Incentive Rates Energy Efficiency (1-10 year payback)
Project Incentive Limit
Contact your Focus on Energy Advisor. If you do not know who your Energy Advisor is, visit focusonenergy.com/EA-map or call 800.762.7077 for assistance. step 2 WHAT YOU WILL NEED Custom Project Information Form, found on pages 5-6 of this guide. All sections of this form must be completed. This form provides Focus on Energy with important background information to help us get started on your project. Detailed scope of work including: • Existing equipment and relevant details (e.g., equipment manufacturer and model number, operating hours, etc.). • Proposed equipment and relevant details (e.g., equipment manufacturer and model number, operating hours, etc.). Proposal for qualifying upgrades, including: • Total project costs, including itemized materials/equipment, labor/installation, and commissioning, if needed. Manufacturer specification sheets for proposed equipment. Historical utility data: • Work with your Energy Advisor to determine if historical utility data is needed to determine energy cost savings and project payback. A utility release form may be required. step 3 UNDERSTAND INCENTIVE RATES AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS Custom incentives are based on estimated first-year energy savings achieved from an energy efficiency upgrade. The calculated savings are multiplied by the incentive structure noted in the Incentive Rates table and are limited based on the incentive type: Energy Efficiency (1-10 year payback), Renewable Energy (1-20 year payback), or Low Payback (less than one year payback). New Construction Eligible Working on a new construction project? Use the New Construction Online Tool to get started at focusonenergy.com/newconstruction .
$300 per peak kW*.
$0.15 per kWh saved. $2.50 per therm saved. Renewable Energy (1-20 year payback) $125 per peak kW*. $0.10 per kWh saved or generated. $1.25 per therm saved or generated. Low Payback (less than one year payback)
The lesser of $300,000, 50% of project cost, or capped at a one-year payback.
Project Incentive Limit
$0.02 per kWh saved.
The lesser of $200,000 or 50% of project costs.
$0.20 per therm saved. *Peak kW reduction is determined by the average kW load reduction of generation occuring between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays during June, July, August, and September. Custom Incentive Requirements Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy incentives will not be provided for projects with a simple payback of less than one year based on energy savings. Projects with a simple payback less than one year may be eligible for a low payback incentive. Energy Efficiency incentives are limited to projects with a maximum simple payback of 10 years based on energy savings. Renewable Energy incentives are limited to projects with a maximum payback of 20 years based on energy savings. Custom incentives cannot exceed the per project incentive limits shown in the Incentive Rates table above. The maximum total for all rebates and incentives a customer may receive per calendar year is $400,000. Project cost is defined as the sum of material and/or installation costs associated with the project. Incentives are eligible for new (not used or refurbished) equipment only. Equipment purchased prior to pre-approval is not eligible for custom incentive. Incentives are capped at $300,000 per project and $200,000 per Low Payback project.
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WHAT YOU’LL NEED
step 4 REQUEST INCENTIVE PRE-APPROVAL Incentive pre-approval is contingent upon receipt of documentation outlined in Step 2.
step 5 COMPLETE YOUR CUSTOM PROJECT Complete the project by the Project Completion Deadline as indicated on the IA. • An extension can be requested by contacting your Energy Advisor in writing (email is preferred) and providing an updated final completion date and proof the project is moving forward (e.g., a purchase order (PO) or an invoice). Extensions are at the discretion of Focus on Energy. • Contact your Energy Advisor as soon as possible if the scope of work for the project changes during the course of design or installation to determine if the change will impact the incentive for your project. Notify your Energy Advisor when your project is complete. Your Energy Advisor will send a Project Completion Notice (PCN) for signature. The project is considered complete when the installed system is generating energy savings consistent with the proposed scope of work. Provide the following documentation to your Energy Advisor: • Detailed final invoice(s) including: • Quantities installed. • Manufacturer and model numbers. • Itemized project cost. • Customer name and installation address. • Trade Ally’s name, if applicable. • Completed PCN with customer signature. • Please note if the scope of the original project has changed. Scope changes may result in an incentive adjustment. Custom incentives cannot exceed the originally pre- approved incentive amount. A site visit by the Energy Advisor for installation verification may be required prior to incentive payment. Completion paperwork will be reviewed for final qualification, and the incentive check will be issued within 6-10 weeks after receipt of all documentation.
Timeline for a project to receive pre-approval depends on several factors including the amount of time it takes for an Energy Advisor to receive required documentation, the complexity of the project, and the amount of the incentive. Once a project is pre-approved, the Energy Advisor will issue an Incentive Agreement (IA) to the customer for their signature. • Once an IA is issued, incentive funding is reserved for your project. • Customers have 65 days from pre-approval to sign and return the IA, indicating their intent to move forward with the project. Upon Focus on Energy’s acknowledgment of receipt of the signed IA, the customer can proceed with the equipment order and installation.
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CUSTOM PROJECT INFORMATION FOR PROJECTS PRE-APPROVED BY 12/31/2026
section 4 TRADE ALLY INFORMATION _______________________________________________________ TRADE ALLY CONTACT NAME _______________________________________________________ PRIMARY PHONE # EMAIL ADDRESS _______________________________________________________ TRADE ALLY COMPANY NAME _______________________________________________________ ADDRESS _______________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP section 5 PAYMENT INFORMATION Payee is responsible for any associated tax consequences. Make incentive check payable to: q Customer q Trade Ally q Other Payee If Other Payee is selected, the relationship to the utility account holder must be identified below: q Tenant q Building Owner q Other (specify) __________________ _______________________________________________________ ATTENTION TO (OPTIONAL) For All Payees Mail check to: q Customer Legal Address q Job Site Address q Trade Ally Address q Alternate Address _______________________________________________________ COMPANY NAME _______________________________________________________ ADDRESS (AS SHOWN ON COMPANY W-9) _______________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP For Trade Ally and Other Payees Trade Allies must be registered with the Program and have a current W-9 on file to receive payment. Tax Identification Number (Check one) q FEIN or q SSN If you use a Social Security Number (SSN) as your Tax Identification Number, do not provide it below . You will be contacted by the Program via email to provide a copy of your W-9 using a secure online portal, if it is not already on file. You must list an email address below. _______________________________________________________ FEIN Tax Classification of Payee (Check one. Required for all businesses, including nonprofits.) q Sole Proprietorship q Individual q Single-Member LLC q C Corporation q S Corporation q Partnership q LLC - C Corp q LLC - S Corp q LLC - Partnership q Other ____________________________ Payee Contact Information _______________________________________________________ NAME _______________________________________________________ EMAIL ADDRESS
section 1 ACCOUNT AND CUSTOMER INFORMATION Tax Identification Number (Check one) q FEIN or q SSN* *If you use a Social Security Number (SSN) as your Tax Identification Number, do not provide it below . You will be contacted by the Program via email to provide a copy of your W-9 using a secure online portal, if it is not already on file. You must list an email address in Section 3. _______________________________________________________ FEIN TAX CLASSIFICATION OF CUSTOMER (Check one. Required for all businesses, including nonprofits.) q Sole Proprietorship q Individual q Single-Member LLC q C Corporation q S Corporation q Partnership q LLC - C Corp q LLC - S Corp q LLC - Partnership q Other_________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ OWNER NAME (REQUIRED IF SSN IS USED AS TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) _______________________________________________________ COMPANY NAME _______________________________________________________ LEGAL ADDRESS (AS SHOWN ON COMPANY W-9) _______________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP _______________________________________________________ WHO DID YOU WORK WITH FROM FOCUS ON ENERGY? (CONTACT NAME) section 2 JOB SITE INFORMATION (Refer to your utility bills for account numbers below.) _______________________________________________________ JOB SITE BUSINESS NAME _______________________________________________________ ELECTRIC UTILITY AT JOB SITE ELECTRIC ACCOUNT # _______________________________________________________ GAS UTILITY AT JOB SITE GAS ACCOUNT # q JOB SITE ADDRESS IS SAME AS LEGAL ADDRESS q JOB SITE ADDRESS IS DIFFERENT (COMPLETE BELOW) _______________________________________________________ JOB SITE ADDRESS _______________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP section 3 CUSTOMER CONTACT INFORMATION _______________________________________________________ JOB SITE CUSTOMER CONTACT NAME _______________________________________________________ PRIMARY PHONE # EMAIL ADDRESS q I opt in to receive program updates via text message. Preferred method of contact: q Call q Email q Text If Focus on Energy has a question about this application, we should contact: q Customer q Trade Ally q Other_________________
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CUSTOM PROJECT INFORMATION FOR PROJECTS REQUESTING PRE-APPROVAL BY 12/31/2026
section 6 BUSINESS PROPERTY TYPE Select one (1) property type that best describes your business: Multifamily
Other: _____________________________
Visit focusonenergy.com/business/custom-incentives to apply for other business custom project incentives.
section 7 PROJECT BACKGROUND INFORMATION Which statement best describes the status of your project (select one): Considering project Assessing feasibility Getting vendor bids and/or savings estimates Received management approval Purchased equipment Started installation
Tell us how Focus on Energy can help you: Exploring options Assurance of the technical feasibility of the technology Verifying vendor savings estimates Showing the value to management Incentive to help reduce initial cost and/or trim payback Other: _____________________________
Tell us why you are pursuing this project: Enhance owner/tenant comfort Reduce maintenance costs Replace worn out equipment Reduce energy costs Achieve company goal or mandate Other: _____________________________
section 8 PROJECT TIMELINE AND DESCRIPTION PROJECT START DATE ESTIMATED PROJECT COMPLETION DATE I certify no purchase orders, equipment purchases, or contracted labor have been initiated for this project Yes q Itemized proposal attached Yes q Specification sheet(s) attached Yes q Information on existing equipment (make, model, etc.), system operation, and building operation attached Yes q Brief Project Description
section 9 CUSTOMER SIGNATURE I, the Customer, attest that I am the ratepayer (utility account holder) for the site(s) listed in Section 2. If applicable, I assign the right to participate in and receive incentives from the Focus on Energy Program to the Other Payee identified in Section 5.
SIGN HERE
CUSTOMER SIGNATURE
NAME (PRINT)
DATE Submit applications and supporting documentation to: MAIL: Focus on Energy 3113 West Beltline Highway Suite 201 Madison, WI 53713 EMAIL: multifamily@focusonenergy.com
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PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS NEED HELP? CALL 800.762.7077
INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS Before you start your project, please make sure you are familiar with participation requirements, program information, and Terms and Conditions.
General Terms and Conditions Review the Focus on Energy Terms and Conditions at focusonenergy.com/terms or call 800.762.7077 to request a copy. Rebate and Incentive Limits Rebates and incentives are limited to $300,000 per project and $400,000 per customer per calendar year for all Focus on Energy rebates and incentives (standard and custom). Depending on your business tax classification, you may receive IRS form 1099 for rebates and incentives received in a calendar year. Reminder: Rebates and incentives are capped at 100% of equipment cost unless otherwise noted. Equipment cost is the amount paid by the customer for qualifying equipment, excluding any Focus on Energy credit, shipping, and sales tax. Like-for-like equipment replacement due to recall, warranty replacement, etc. is not eligible for a rebate or an incentive. Trade Ally Information A Trade Ally represents the company who provided/installed the equipment for a project or performed the service for which a customer is seeking a rebate or an incentive. Trade Allies who have signed an agreement with Focus on Energy are allowed to enjoy certain program benefits, one of which is to receive direct payment of rebates and incentives at the Trade Ally’s request. Rebates and incentives can only be paid directly to a registered Trade Ally who has a W-9 on file with Focus on Energy. Visit focusonenergy.com/tradeally for information on how to become a registered Trade Ally.
The Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) and Business Classification of the Trade Ally is required IF the incentive is paid directly to the Trade Ally. In this scenario, the credit must be clearly labeled as the Focus on Energy incentive and deducted from the amount due on the Customer’s invoice. If your project was completed by more than one Trade Ally (example, equipment was purchased from one Trade Ally but installed by another Trade Ally) and the rebate or incentive is being paid to you the customer, enter the information of the Trade Ally who installed your equipment in Section 4: Trade Ally Information. If the equipment was self-installed, enter the information of the Trade Ally from whom you purchased the equipment. Assignment of Incentives to Other Payee The Customer for the project site listed on the application may assign their right to participate and receive rebates and incentives to Other Payee. The Customer must sign Section 9 and identify the Other Payee in Section 5. Eligible Project Costs Eligible project costs generally include all purchased or contracted equipment, materials, and labor required for installation and startup of the proposed energy efficiency project. Costs associated with a customer’s use of their internal labor, or previously owned equipment or materials obtained from a customer’s inventory, are not eligible.
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For more information, call 800.762.7077 or visit focusonenergy.com
REDUCING ENERGY WASTE ACROSS WISCONSIN Focus on Energy, Wisconsin utilities’ statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, helps eligible residents and businesses save energy and money while protecting the environment. Focus on Energy information, resources, and financial incentives help to implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that otherwise would not be completed. ©2026 Wisconsin Focus on Energy 0126
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