Utility bill savings — Minnesota electrical rebates and incentives
Minnesota Rebates & Incentives

Electrical Rebates & Incentives in Minnesota

Upgrading your panel, adding an EV charger, installing a home battery, or putting in a standby generator? Several Minnesota utility and government programs can take real money off the top. Below are the incentives we see used most in the Twin Cities metro — the non-solar ones that apply to everyday electrical work. We help you confirm eligibility and handle the paperwork as part of the job.

Quick heads-up: Three Rivers Electric is not a tax advisor and this page isn't tax advice. Programs change, funding runs out, and eligibility depends on your home, utility, and income. Confirm current details with the official program links below and your tax professional — or just call us and we'll walk you through what applies.

EV charger rebates

Xcel Energy EV Charger & Wiring Rebate

Wiring + charger

Xcel's Home Wiring Rebate helps offset the cost of running a dedicated 240V circuit and an eligible Level 2 charger. Income-qualified customers may receive more.

Xcel EV rebate →

Dakota Electric & Connexus rebates

Up to $500

Many metro co-ops — including Dakota Electric and Connexus Energy — offer EV charger rebates, usually for a WiFi-connected (“smart”) Level 2 charger enrolled in an off-peak program.

See MN utility list →

Federal EV Charger Credit (30C)

Up to 30%

The federal Alternative Fuel Refueling Property Credit can cover up to 30% of eligible charger and install costs in qualifying areas — but only for property placed in service on or before June 30, 2026.

IRS 30C details →

Off-peak / time-of-use charging

Ongoing savings

Most MN utilities offer cheaper overnight rates for EV charging. We can wire your charger so it's ready to enroll and charge on the lowest rate.

See our EV charger installation →  |  Check if your panel is ready →

Electrical panel & service upgrade rebates

Xcel Electrical Panel Upgrade Rebate

Up to $1,500

Xcel offers a rebate toward upgrading your panel or service to support electrification loads like an EV charger, heat pump, or battery (documentation required). If Xcel is converting your overhead service line underground, we handle the homeowner-side electrical work too.

Xcel electrification rebates →

Federal HEAR & HOMES rebates

Income-based

Federal Home Electrification (HEAR) and Home Efficiency (HOMES) rebates can help eligible Minnesota households with electrification and whole-home efficiency upgrades. Rollout timing is set by MN Commerce.

MN Commerce status →

See our electrical services →

Home battery & storage incentives

Xcel Upfront Battery Storage Incentive

Upfront credit

Xcel customers in Minnesota may qualify for an upfront incentive when adding new battery storage (currently tied to a solar interconnection agreement; rules apply).

MN Commerce summary →

Heads-up on the federal credit

Expired

The 30% federal residential battery tax credit expired at the end of 2025. We build battery quotes around current utility programs and financing instead — no outdated promises.

See battery backup →

Generator programs

Connexus Peak-Shaving Generation Credit

Bill credit

Connexus Energy offers a Peak-Shaving Generation Credit Rider for qualifying standby generation sites — the best fit for larger homes and properties with standby capacity.

Connexus generator program →

Right-size before you buy

Free tool

The fastest way to keep a generator project affordable is to size it correctly. Get a ballpark kW rating in two minutes.

Generator Sizing Tool →

Lighting & energy-efficiency rebates

Xcel Home Rebates (LED & more)

Varies

Xcel's Home Rebates hub includes discounted LEDs and other residential efficiency offerings that pair well with a lighting upgrade.

Xcel Home Rebates →

ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder

By ZIP code

Search every rebate available in your area — lighting, appliances, thermostats, EV chargers, and more — right by your ZIP code.

Find rebates near you →

Not sure which rebates you qualify for?

That's our job. Tell us what you're planning and we'll tell you what's currently available, what the paperwork looks like, and how to capture every dollar.

Rebate & incentive FAQs

Do you handle the rebate paperwork for me?

For most programs, yes. We provide the documentation utilities ask for — equipment specs, install details, and invoices — and point you to the application. Some rebates require a licensed installer and specific equipment, which is exactly the kind of detail we sort out before the job starts.

Is the federal residential battery tax credit still available?

No. The 30% federal residential battery tax credit expired at the end of 2025. We don't build quotes around it anymore. For batteries we lead with current Minnesota utility programs and financing options instead.

What's the deadline on the federal EV charger credit?

The federal 30C charger credit generally can't be claimed for equipment placed in service after June 30, 2026. If an EV charger is on your list, it's worth not waiting — and confirming eligibility with your tax professional.

Which utility am I served by?

Across the south and east metro it's usually Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric, or Connexus Energy — and each runs different programs. Tell us your address and we'll point you to the right utility's current offers.

Are these incentives guaranteed?

No. Utility and government programs change, have limited funding, and can close without notice, and we're not tax advisors. Always confirm current terms on the official program page and with your tax professional before counting on a specific amount.