Flood Aftermath Raises Concerns Over Electrical Safety

August 18, 2025

MILWAUKEE – New Federal Rebates Can Help Milwaukee Residents Upgrade Breaker Panels at Little to No Cost

Following recent severe flooding across Milwaukee, Revitalize Milwaukee is hearing from homeowners who are expressing serious concerns about the safety and reliability of their electrical systems. With water damage affecting many homes, experts are urging residents to consider upgrading their electrical service load centers — commonly known as breaker panels — to prevent dangerous power loss or potential electrical fires.

Aging or undersized breaker panels can pose a significant risk, especially as modern households rely on an increasing number of plugged-in devices and appliances. In response, new funding under the Inflation Reduction Act is now available to help low- and moderate-income households afford critical electrical upgrades.

What’s Covered:

This federal rebate program can cover the full cost of a new, safer electrical service panel — often including a whole-house surge protector to guard against power surges that damage systems and connected electronics.

Who Qualifies:

Low-income residents (below 80% of Area Median Income) may qualify for 100% coverage of the upgrade cost.

Moderate-income households (80–150% of AMI) are eligible for 50% coverage.

Both homeowners and renters living in single-family homes or duplexes may qualify (renter applicants must have landlord permission).

To proceed, homes must have accessible breaker panels (not submerged or blocked) and clear access to outside power lines (not obstructed by trees).

“Now is the time to act,” said Melanie Roach, CEO of Revitalize Milwaukee. “Replacing compromised or outdated breaker panels this summer or fall will ensure families are better protected from both the immediate and long-term risks associated with storm-related power issues.”

These upgrades are not just about restoring power — they're about keeping homes safe. With extreme weather events becoming more common, modernizing Milwaukee’s residential electrical infrastructure is a critical step toward community resilience.

Chart of who is eligible:

For those interested in finding out if they qualify for an electrical panel safety upgrade, contact Dan at 414-604-6418 or daniel@greenhomeownersunited.com.

For media, contact Kevin Kane, 414-550-8280, Kevin@greenhomeownersunited.com 

For more information on how to check your eligibility or begin the upgrade process, please contact: 

Media Contact:

Kevin Kane
Green Homeowners United
414-550-8280
Kevin@greenhomeownersunited.com 
www.GreenHomeWI.com