Income-Based Programs
Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) and Minnesota Energy Resources offer programs to help income-eligible Rochester households make energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Depending on your age, whether you own or rent, and your household income, 4U2 or EnergyWise Older Adults may be a good fit for you.
The 4U2 Program helps eligible low-income households improve their home’s energy efficiencies while reducing overall energy costs.
The Energy Sustainability for our Elderly Program provides weatherization and updates the equipment efficiencies in the homes of our qualified low-income elderly residents to improve their health, safety, independent living, and reduce energy burden.
What Do the Programs Provide?
Both programs help qualifying households identify and complete energy efficiency improvements which are determined through the program process and home energy audit.
Services may include:
- Weatherization improvements
- Energy-efficient equipment upgrades including but not limited to furnaces, air conditioners, refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, etc.
- Improvements that can make your home more comfortable, energy efficient, and may help reduce energy costs
- Emergency replacement of HVAC equipment may also be available. (If your equipment is not working, contact RPU at 507-280-1537 so we can help expedite your application.)
For EnergyWise Older Adults, improvements may also help enhance health, safety, and support independent living.
2026 Income Guidelines for Olmsted County
Household income is one factor used to determine eligibility for both programs.
| Household Size | Primary Qualifier 80% Area Median Income (AMI) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Up to $74,800 |
| 2 | Up to $85,450 |
| 3 | Up to $96,150 |
| 4 | Up to $106,800 |
| 5 | Up to $115,350 |
| 6 | Up to $123,900 |
See program applications for complete income verification requirements. The 80% Area Median Income amounts are effective as of April 1, 2026.
What Will I Need to Apply?
You will need to provide income documentation for each household member earning income with one of the following:
- A copy of last year’s tax return (preferred). First two pages required.
- Pay stubs associated with the previous three months. For bi-weekly pay periods, please provide seven pay-stubs.
- Unemployment statement and verification of unemployment statement.
- Proof of Energy Assistance Program (EAP) payments, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) acceptance notification.
- Social Security Administration Benefit Award or Verification Letter.
Are There Any Costs?
Eligible improvements are generally covered by Rochester Public Utilities and Minnesota Energy Resources. However, if required natural gas health and safety upgrades (such as dryer vent, bathroom vent, or air duct repairs) exceed $500, a $150 charge will be applied to your Minnesota Energy Resources natural gas bill.
For applicants who are renters, their property owners are responsible for 50% of the cost related to all weatherization improvements and HVAC and water heating equipment replacements, as well as 100% of health and safety measures and extraordinary corrections needed to complete the work. If the property owner is unable to pay, the owner may complete the same income verification process used for applicants.
Other extraordinary issues or corrections may also be the participant’s responsibility if available program funding for those corrections is exceeded.
Who Is Not Eligible?
Mobile or Manufactured Homes
Those who live in mobile and manufactured homes are not eligible for either program. Contact Semcac at 1-800-944-3281 or visit www.semcac.org to apply for Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
Minnesota’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
If you received WAP services within the past 15 years, you do not qualify for either program.
Which Program Is Right For You?
Use the following chart to compare the programs, then select a program link for more information and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
| Requirement | 4U2 Program | EnergyWise Older Adults Program |
| Income eligibility | Yes | Yes |
| Age requirement | None | Must be age 60 or older |
| Homeowner | Yes | Yes |
| Renter | Yes, with property owner authorization | Not eligible |
| Eligible Housing (mobile and manufactured homes do not qualify) |
|
|
| RPU electric service required | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota Energy Resources natural gas service required | Yes | Yes |
| Free home energy audit | Yes | Yes |
| Received Minnesota's Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Services within the last 15 years | Not eligible | Not eligible |
Visit the 4U2 Program page.
Visit the 4U2 Program FAQs.
Visit the EnergyWise Older Adults Program page.
Visit the EnergyWise Older Adults Program FAQs.
How Do I Apply?
- Complete and submit your application.
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis while funding is available.
Download an EnergyWise Older Adults Program application.
Download a 4U2 Program application. - Receive a free home energy audit.
If you qualify, a free home energy audit is required. - Review eligible improvements.
The audit will help determine which improvements may be available through the program. - Schedule the work.
You will work directly with an assigned contractor to schedule your improvements. A typical project takes four to six months.
Have Questions or Need Help?
FAQs and program applications are available for your review:
- 4U2 Program Information and FAQs
- EnergyWise Older Adults Program Information and FAQs
- 4U2 Program Application
- EnergyWise Older Adults Program Application
If you need additional help, contact:
Rochester Public Utilities
507-280-1537
rpuprograms@rpu.org