Energy-efficient upgrades and sustainable practices often have upfront costs that often discourage homeowners from making energy-efficient upgrades. However, there are a variety of incentives that can make these upgrades more accessible and affordable. We have outlined the current incentives for energy, water, and transportation upgrades. As new incentives become available, we will update this page.
Reduce Your Home Energy Use with an Energy Audit Starting at Just $50
An energy audit is a whole-home inspection by a certified professional to find where your house is losing energy—and how to fix it.
Subsidy Structure
Initial Cost for Audit:
● <1,500 sq. ft. ~$50
● 1,500-3,000 sq. ft. ~$125
● 3,000-5,000 sq. ft. ~$200
● >5,000 sq. ft. ~$750
This is a program of Big Sky SNO funded by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation.
Eligibility Criteria
● Property must be occupied by FULL TIME RESIDENTS
● RENTERS + OWNERS eligible
● Home is a PRIMARY RESIDENCE
● Within the Big Sky Area Boundary Map
Our Audit Partner
All audits will be conducted by James Childre of RedPoint LLC. With 10+ years of experience and over 3,500 property inspections performed, James is a seasoned professional home inspector who brings his extensive knowledge of building science to the Gallatin Valley. His education and attention to detail guarantee a professional and thorough report that is thoughtfully organized and easy to
understand for all home buyers.
Use of advanced building diagnostic tools, as well as a commitment to following the high standards set by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), makes James one of the premier property inspectors in Bozeman and Gallatin Valley area.
What You Get with an Energy Audit
● Home Visit with a Professional Auditor: A certified energy professional will assess your home’s building envelope, mechanical systems, and more.
● Blower Door Test: A blower door is an invaluable diagnostic tool that depressurizes your home to measure air leaks. High air infiltration means conditioned air escapes easily, making your home less efficient and less comfortable.
● Thermal Imaging: Infrared technology helps detect hidden drafts and air leaks behind walls, around windows and doors, and in insulation gaps.
● Heating & Cooling System Assessment: Your furnace, boiler, air conditioner, or heat pump will be evaluated for efficiency, function, and potential improvements.
● Personalized Report with Recommendations: After the audit, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining: Where and how your home is losing energy, Practical and often low- or no-cost fixes, Projected savings on utility bills, Information on available rebates or incentives.
NOTICE: These rebates are available for installations completed by the end of 2025.
Federal tax credits are available for energy‑saving home improvements such as insulation, HVAC systems, windows, doors, electrical panel upgrades, and renewable energy systems like solar. Homeowners, and in some cases renters, may qualify.
How to Apply: Check that what you are planning to install qualifies for the tax credit. Save receipts and product certification statements. File the appropriate IRS form with your tax return for the year the improvement was placed in service.
NorthWestern Energy offers customers a variety of rebates for improving home energy efficiency. These include, but are not limited to, heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, air purifiers, insulation, and smart thermostats.
How to Apply: If you are a NorthWestern Energy customer, you can apply by filling out the rebate form after installing your qualifying product. Be sure to keep invoices, product model numbers, and proof of installation
NorthWestern Energy offers a $3,000 rebate for qualified installs of heat pump water heaters. IMPORTANT: This rebate is distributed directly through a NorthWestern Energy-approved plumber. If you do not work with an approved plumber, you will not receive the rebate.
GRTF Indoor Rebates
Cash rebates for water-saving, energy-efficient indoor upgrades like washers, urinals, toilets, and faucets, and toilets.
GRTF Outdoor Rebates
Rebates for water-saving outdoor upgrades like smart irrigation systems and drought-tolerant landscaping.
How to Apply: If you are a Big Sky Community Member, you can apply by filling out the rebate form after installing your qualifying product. Be sure to keep invoices, product model numbers, and proof of installation.
Provides free weatherization services for income‑eligible households—may include energy audits, insulation, air sealing, ventilation, and HVAC/health & safety upgrades.
How to Apply: Visit the HRDC Weatherization Assistance Program to check income guidelines and see if you qualify for assistance
Eligible technologies: solar PV, solar thermal, wind, micro-hydro, geothermal, certified pellet/wood stoves.
The Alternative Energy Revolving Loan Program (AERLP) provides zero-down, low-interest loans of up to $40,000 to individuals, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities in order to increase investments in alternative energy systems and energy conservation measures in Montana.
The program, which is managed by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s Energy Office, has financed more than 500 renewable energy installations across the state since its first loan in 2003 for an off-grid solar array in Belt. Eligible technologies include solar PV, solar thermal, geothermal, EPA-certified low-emission pellet or wood stoves, wind, and micro-hydro. Energy conservation measures may be included in a loan when installed in conjunction with an alternative energy system.
C‑PACE provides long‑term, low‑cost financing for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resilience projects. Financing is repaid via a voluntary assessment on the property tax bill.
GRTF Indoor Rebates
Cash rebates for water-saving, energy-efficient indoor upgrades like washers, urinals, toilets, and faucets, and toilets.
GRTF Outdoor Rebates
Rebates for water-saving outdoor upgrades like smart irrigation systems and drought-tolerant landscaping.
How to Apply: If you are a Big Sky Community Member, you can apply by filling out the rebate form after installing your qualifying product. Be sure to keep invoices, product model numbers, and proof of installation.
NorthWestern Energy offers businesses a variety of rebates to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. Rebates are available for upgrades such as high-efficiency lighting, HVAC systems, refrigeration, commercial kitchen equipment, building envelope improvements, and more.
How to Apply: If your business is a NorthWestern Energy customer, you can apply by submitting rebate applications after completing your qualifying project. Be sure to keep all invoices, product model numbers, and proof of installation.
Building owners who install new equipment aimed at improving the energy efficiency of their properties may be able to claim a tax deduction to offset some of the costs of the equipment.
