Illinois

The City of Chicago encourages building design, construction and renovation in a manner that provides healthier environments, reduces operating costs and conserves energy and resources through their Green Permit Program. The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) Green Permit Program provides developers and owners with an incentive to build green by streamlining the permit process timeline for projects which are designed to maximize indoor air quality and conserve energy and resources.

Green Permit Program Incentives
Projects accepted into the Green Permit Program can receive permits in less than 30 business days or in as little as 15 business days. The number of green building elements included in the project plans and project complexity determines the length of the timeline. In addition, projects which meet the most stringent sustainability guidelines may also qualify for a partial waiver of consultant code review fees, up to $25,000.

Application Procedure
Interested applicants must involve DOB early in the design process. DOB will help to guide the applicant through the process to ensure the shortest permitting process time.

Acceptance into the Green Permit Program is based on a series of requirements that qualifies the project for one of two different Benefit Tiers of green building certification:

• Commercial projects must earn certification within the appropriate Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
• Smaller residential projects must earn a two-star or greater rating under the Chicago Green Homes program.

Both commercial and small residential projects are also required to earn from one to three menu items, or additional green design strategies above and beyond certification prerequisites, in order to be eligible for permitting privileges.

Chicago Green Homes Program

Note: This program is currently suspended.

The Chicago Green Homes program is a checklist-based rating system for measuring a green building’s elements developed by the Chicago Department of Environment. As of May 2010, there were approximately 250 Green Homes enrolled in the program. Training and education materials are available through the Green Homes program free of charge. See the Chicago Green Homes Program Overview for additional information on enrolling your project in the Chicago Green Home program and how to work towards certification.

NOTE: The most recent application period closed on October 28, 2011. Check the program web site for information regarding future solicitations.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity administers the Renewable Energy Business Development Grant Program. The program will support expenses related to the development, retooling, or expansion of renewable energy business and component manufacturers. Eligible costs include the purchase and installation of machinery, equipment and new industrial systems, necessary site improvements, technical or engineering services for process improvements, and the conversion of existing processes. Grant awards are available for between $100,000 and $500,000 and are limited to 50% of project costs. Applications will be accepted until October 28, 2011, subject to funding availability.

Renewable-energy technologies eligible for funding support include wind energy, solar-thermal energy, photovoltaics, dedicated crops grown for energy production and organic waste biomass, hydropower that does not involve new construction or significant expansion of hydropower dams, and "other such alternative sources of environmentally preferable energy." Energy from the incineration, burning or heating of waste wood, tires, garbage, general household, institutional and commercial waste, industrial lunchroom or office waste, landscape waste, or construction or demolition debris is not eligible.

Projects must be located in Illinois. In addition, because the program is funded by the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund, grants are available only to customers of utilities that impose the Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge, as defined in 20 ILCS 687/6-5. Participating utilities are listed on the application available at the program website. See the program web site for additional details and requirements.

SomerCor 504 Inc. administers the Small Business Improvement Fund for the City of Chicago. The fund utilizes revenue from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and supports commercial and industrial properties, as well as tenants, within specific TIF districts to upgrade their facilities. Certain energy efficient upgrades, such as energy efficient windows, HVAC systems, and roofs may qualify for funding under this program and are encouraged.

The grants can cover up to 75% of the costs of the upgrades and are paid after the work is completed and expenses paid-up.

Commercial applicants are eligible if they have a maximum of $5 million in gross sales for each of the past three years. New commercial businesses must use projected sales. Industrial applicants may not employ more than 100 full-time equivalent employees. Landlord applicants may not have more than a net worth of $6 million, with total liquidity of no more than $500,000. Tenant applicants may not have more than $5 million in gross sales, and must have a leasehold interest in the property with at least 3 years remaining on the lease term. Additional eligibility requirements applicable, interested parties should contact SomerCor 504 Inc for additional details.

The Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) was established in December 1999 as an independent foundation with a $225 million endowment provided by Commonwealth Edison. The ICECF invests in clean-energy development and land-preservation efforts, working with communities and citizens to improve environmental quality in Illinois. The ICECF provides competitive grants to programs and projects that improve energy efficiency, develop renewable-energy resources, and preserve and enhance natural areas and wildlife habitats in Illinois. Since 2001 the Foundation has awarded approximately 3,600 grants totaling $212 million.

Grants support both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, like wind, solar (both solar thermal and solar electric applications), biomass, fuel cells and other forms of distributed generation. Award amounts will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account cost-effectiveness of the project, project innovation, simple project payback, other sources of funding and owner contribution. Visit the ICECF grant application website to find out about currently available and upcoming grants.

Application Process
Grant cycles and application deadlines vary depending on the project. Beginning in June 2011, ICECF uses an online application process. The ICECF will notify all applicants whether to submit a full proposal. When applicants are invited to submit a full proposal, the ICECF will specify what information to include, as well as the supporting documents that must be submitted.

Illinois Solar Schools Program
The ICECF also administers the Solar Schools Program (in addition to the K-12 Wind Schools Program). These programs are targeted grant programs with separate guidelines, deadlines, and application forms. Since 2006, ICECF has awarded over $2,100,000 in grants to over 220 schools to support the installation of 1-kW solar PV systems. ICECF has developed a dedicated website for this program: http://www.illinoissolarschools.org/

Note: The Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA) issued a statement in July 2010 concerning the senior lien status associated with most PACE programs. In response to the FHFA statement, most local PACE programs have been suspended until further clarification is provided.

Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing effectively allows property owners to borrow money to pay for energy improvements. The amount borrowed is typically repaid via a special assessment on the property over a period of years. Illinois has authorized certain local governments to establish such programs, as described below. (Not all local governments in Illinois offer PACE financing; contact your local government to find out if it has established a PACE financing program.)

Illinois has authorized municipalities -- cities, villages and incorporated towns -- and counties to enter into voluntary agreements with property owners to provide for contractual assessments. These assessments will provide financing to the property owner to install renewable energy technologies or energy efficiency upgrades that are permanently fixed to the property. The property owner then repays the assessments via his/her property taxes.

As of July 2012, no municipalities in Illinois offer PACE programs.

RECAP is closed for 2011. The program will reopen in late 2012.

The Illinois Solar Energy Association offers the Renewable Energy Credit Aggregation Program (RECAP) to Illinois solar photovoltaic (PV) system owners, providing them with an opportunity to receive payment for their solar renewable energy credits (SRECs*). The program was created in 2008 to provide an additional revenue stream for small PV system owners and to support Illinois solar development.

RECAP is a partnership with Community Energy, Inc (CEI). The SRECs are used to supply the solar portion the City of Naperville Renewable Energy Program. This partnership is the first market example of SREC transactions within Illinois.
Production incentives are limited to solar photovoltaics. To be eligible for RECAP, solar PV systems must be located in Illinois, be legally grid connected. In addition, production must be tracked on a monthly or quarterly basis. Participants must be members of the Illinois Solar Energy Association, either as regular members for residential accounts, or business members for commercial accounts. They can join online at www.illinoissolar.org.

RECAP is an annual program and requires a yearly application. Applications are accepted on a first come, first-served basis. Applicants will be notified of how much (if any) of their SRECs will be purchased via the formal application process.

*Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have two outputs – electricity and solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs). For every 1000 kWh (1 MWh) of solar electricity generated, one SREC is issued. SRECs are tradeable, non-tangible pollution abatement rights.

In August 2007, Illinois enacted legislation (Public Act 095-0481) that created the Illinois Power Agency (IPA). The agency’s purpose is to develop electricity procurement plans for investor-owned electric utilities (EUs) supplying over 100,000 Illinois customers to ensure “adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service at the lowest total cost.” The only EUs that meet these criteria and are therefore subject to the IPA procurement process are Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and the Ameren Corporation companies (AmerenCILCO, AmerenIPL, and AmerenCIPCO).

The IPA plans and administers the competitive procurement processes that result in bilateral agreements between the utilities and wholesale electric suppliers. The procurement plans must include procurement of cost-effective renewable energy resources per the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requirements, outlined here. The RPS include a solar requirement to be met with solar renewable energy credits (SRECs) with benchmarks beginning in Energy Year June 2012-May 2013. Each SREC represents the environmental attributes associated with 1 megawatt-hour of energy produced from solar energy.  Selected suppliers are required to utilize either the PJM-EIS-GATS, M-RETS, or NARR tracking system.

In October 2011, the legislature passed S.B. 1652, which requires the IPA to conduct a procurement event for the acquisition of renewable energy credits (RECs) for the period of June 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. This procurement process will take place throughout calendar year 2012. If needed, future procurement processes will be administered  through the program administrators.

Ameren

The procurement process for Ameren is administered by Levitan and Associates here. REC bids for 2012 were due in May 2012. Ameren is seeking SRECs per the schedule outlined below.

SRECs must be generated during the same time period as the procurement. More information, including application materials, is available on the Levitan and Associates web site.

ComEd

For ComEd, the procurement process is administered by NERA Economic Consulting. Applications for the 2012 procurement event were in February, 2012, and bidding took place in May 2012.

Prior to 2007, wind energy devices generating electricity for commercial sale were assessed differently depending on where they were located. Some counties valued the entire turbine structure (tower plus generation equipment) as "real property", subject to taxation, while others deemed only the tower portion as taxable property. This difference in valuation procedure meant that the taxable value of identical wind turbines could vary by as much as 75% from county to county, creating dramatically different tax loads and complicating projects that cross county lines.

In October 2007 Illinois passed Public Act 095-0644, a law providing consistent valuation procedures for commercial wind farm equipment (amended via HB4797 in 2010). For ten years, beginning in the 2007 assessment year, wind energy devices larger than 500 kilowatts (kW) and producing power for commercial sale will be valued at $360,000/Megawatt (MW) of capacity, annually adjusted for inflation according to the U.S. Consumer Price Index. This figure is termed the trended real property cost basis. Because Illinois assesses property for property tax purposes at 1/3 of its fair cash value, in practice the assessed value of commercial wind energy property is $119,988/MW.

The law also defines an allowance for physical depreciation of the device, calculated by dividing the age of the turbine by 25 and then multiplying the result by the trended real property cost basis. The physical depreciation allowance may not exceed 70% of the trended real property cost basis, though additional depreciation allowances may be granted for functional or external obsolescence.

Illinois offers a special assessment of solar energy systems for property-tax purposes. For property owners who register with a chief county assessment officer, solar energy equipment is valued at no more than a conventional energy system. Eligible equipment includes both active and passive solar-energy systems. The exemption is not valid for equipment that is equally usable in a conventional energy system or for components that serve non-solar energy generating (e.g., structural, aesthetic, insulating, etc.) purposes.

Application for Solar Assessment
Those who wish to have their solar energy property valued in this fashion must file the State of Illinois PTAX-330 property tax form with their local county assessor's office. Forms are available online and through each Illinois county assessor's office.

The Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) is a state conduit issuer of tax-exempt bonds & credit enhancement for projects in Illinois. The IFA funding is available to commercial as well as non-profit entities as long as those entities meet strict eligibility criteria. In 2012, the legislature also added schools and community colleges to the list of eligible entities for energy conservation funding. Entities seeking funding must demonstrate that their projects provide a significant public benefit for the citizens of Illinois. In 2009, the IFA was authorized by legislation (S.B. 1906 and S.B. 390) to provide funding via issuance of tax-exempt bonds for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency projects.

For the purposes of this program, renewable energy projects include those that utilize wind, solar thermal energy, photovoltaic cells and panels, biodiesel, crops and organic waste biomass, trees and tree trimmings, hydropower, Illinois-produced landfill gas, and "other alternative sources of environmentally preferable energy." (This definition is from the Illinois Power Agency Act). In addition, transmission lines and associated equipment used to transfer electricity created by renewable energy, as well as renewable energy storage technologies are eligible.

The most recent application period closed April 30, 2012. Check the program web site for updates on future solicitations.

The Renewable Energy Resources Program (RERP) promotes the development of renewable energy in Illinois. This program is funded by the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund (RERTF)-- the state's public benefits fund -- and is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), with assistance from the Energy Resources Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The focus of the Biogas and Biomass to Energy Grant Program, through the RERP, is to demonstrate the use of biogas and biomass for on-site energy generation at facilities in Illinois. Projects designed to use biogas or biomass as a source of fuel to produce electricity with combined heat and power (CHP) through gasification, co-firing or anaerobic digestion technologies are being targeted. The biogas and biomass grant program will provide a 50% cost-share for energy feasibility studies or for the installation of equipment for these purposes. The maximum grants available for feasibility studies, biogas projects, and biomass projects are $2,500, $225,000, and $500,000, respectively. All projects must be located in Illinois within the service areas of utilities that contribute to the RERTF (through a Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge). Applications are available on the program web site.

The Smart Energy Design Assistance Center and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering grants for public housing authorities PHAs) and their residents for the implementation of energy efficiency measures. Applicants must be serviced by Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, or North Shore Gas. Targeted PHAs include residential households at or below 30% of Average Median Income (AMI), 50% AMI, or 80% AMI. Funding is limited to $350,000 per applicant and grant costs cannot exceed 100% of the total project costs. Funding varies by technology, and custom incentive projects are available.

Applications for Program Year 5 (June 2012-May 2013) are available on the program web site. Applications will be accepted until all available funding has been obligated. Funding may be used in both residential and common areas for interior and exterior lighting improvement, vending machine management, exit sign replacement, occupancy sensors, Energy Star-rated appliances, and HVAC equipment.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) provides grants through the Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program. Under this program, grants are provided to Illinois based non-profit and for-profit housing developers to include energy efficient building practices in the rehab or new construction of affordable housing units. This grant helps offset the incremental cost of going from typical construction to energy-efficient construction. Applications are available on the program web site above. For the June 2012 - May 2013 program year, applications are due April 15, 2013.

Projects must be targeted at households at or below 80% Average Median Income (AMI). Pre-application meetings are encouraged. Maximum grant amounts are as follows:

Rehab:

• Single Family: $4,500/unit
• Multi-Family Buildings <80 units: $4.50/square foot of living space or $4,500, whichever is less
• Multi-Family Building >80 units: $4.25/square foot of living space or $4,250, whichever is less

New Construction:

• Single Family: $4,000/living unit
• Duplex: $6,500/duplex
• 3-flat: $7,500/building
• 4-flat: $8,500/building
• 6-flat: $11,000/building
• Multi-Family, <80 units: $4.25/square foot of living space
• Multi-Family, >80 units: $4.00/square foot of living space

First implemented in 1988, the program has an average energy savings range from 50% to 75%.

Note: This program is not currently accepting applications. The most recent application period closed June 1, 2012. Please check the program web site for information regarding future application periods.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) administers the Illinois Energy Now programs, including the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Aggregation Program. The program will allow public sector participants to combine energy efficiency projects in order to simplify the application process and implement projects that might otherwise be submitted as standalone projects. Aggregators must design a program that targets one or more public sector entities located in a ComEd, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, or North Shore Gas service territories. For the 2012-2013 program year, DCEO accepted applications through May 31, 2012. Funded by the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund and Energy Efficiency Portfolio, grants will be awarded based on the applicant's ability to demonstrate cost effectiveness of the proposed program, and develop enough Energy Efficiency Projects to disperse funds and realize the savings targets within the grant period. Additional program information an application materials are available on the program web site.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Bureau of Energy and Recycling administers the public sector energy efficiency programs required by the Illinois Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS). As part of this larger program, the DCEO offers public sector grants for new construction and major renovation projects that exceed 15,000 square feet and produce electrical or natural gas savings through efficiency improvements in buildings, equipment, and processes. The program is available to local, state, and federal governments; public school districts; community colleges; and universities that receive electricity distribution service from Commonwealth Edison, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, or North Shore Gas. This includes customers that purchase energy through an alternative supplier. The most recent application period opened June 1, 2012; Applications are will be accepted until April 15, 2013.

Both prescriptive and custom incentives are available. For prescriptive incentives, the building must meet the state building code, and incentives are available for measures that exceed the code. Custom incentives are calculated based on the amount of energy saved. The base rate is $0.08 per kWh saved and $1 per therm saved. An incentive of $0.30/kWh is also available for breakthrough equipment or devices for exterior lighting. Only 3% of the program funds will be spent on breakthrough equipment.

Incentives are limited to 100% of the incremental measure cost, 75% of the project cost, and $300,000 per project depending on the level of efficiency improvement. It should be noted that DCEO reserves the right to change incentive amounts and negotiate grant amounts.

The following measures are specifically defined as ineligible to receive incentives:

• Renewable energy
• Projects that replace existing equipment with like equipment
• Projects for the sole purpose of implementing demand response measures
• Measures installed or receiving funding under another utility, DCEO, or Clean Energy Community Foundation incentive program
• Component projects with paybacks longer than the equipment life
• Used equipment

Please consult the program website for additional details on program eligibility and application requirements. Pre-approval is required to reserve funding and ensure eligibility and should be done when the design is 100% completed.

Note: Program Year 5 applications are now available on the program web site. Funds will be awarded beginning June 1, 2012, and project implementation must begin by May 31, 2013. All measures must be implemented by March 31, 2014.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Bureau of Energy and Recycling administers the public sector energy efficiency programs required by the Illinois Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS). As part of this larger program and the Illinois EEPS, the DCEO funds the Illinois Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) to administer and execute the Public Sector Building Retro-Commissioning (RCx) Program throughout Illinois. This program is limited to ComEd and Ameren Illinois electric service territories, though entities receiving natural gas from Ameren Illinois, Nicor, North Shore, or Peoples Gas may also be eligible for inclusion of natural gas savings measures.

SEDAC's Retro-Commissioning services are free for local, state, and federal governments; public school districts; community colleges; and universities that receive electricity distribution service from Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) or Ameren affiliated utilities (AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP, and AmerenCIPS) as a result of Illinois DCEO funding. Clients are required to implement at least $10,000 on building improvements based on recommendations, and must implement the measures within 10 months or by the program year deadline.

SEDAC is managed by the School of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Note: The most recent application period closed January 15, 2011. Check the program web site for the status of the next round of applications.

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is offering $50 Million in Energy Efficiency Matching Grants for Illinois Schools over the next two fiscal years. The initial round of grants opened on October 12, 2010 and concluded with applications due on or before January 15, 2011.

The ISBE Energy Efficiency Grants are a dollar-for-dollar state matching grant program for energy efficiency projects in schools. All state funded educational institutions within the state of Illinois are eligible. Grant awards are available up to $250,000 and can be used for insulation, windows, doors, energy controls, lighting, energy recovery, energy conservation, alternative energy systems and other projects designed to reduce energy consumption.

Application Process
Grant applicants may obtain application materials and instructions through the ISBE Web Application Security portal (IWAS). Upon completion, applications will be submitted to the school district for review and submission to the Regional Office of Education. The Regional Office of Education will then review the application and submit it to the Illinois State Board of Education.

Energy Impact Illinois partners with local banks and credit unions to provide low-interest loans to help reduce the upfront costs associated with energy efficiency improvements. Loans can be used for whole house improvements, boiler or furnace upgrades, and Energy Star appliance and equipment if combined with a boiler or furnace project. Whole house improvements must result in energy savings of 15% or more as determined by a certified energy auditor. Terms, rates, and loan amounts vary with each lender, and lenders vary by region. Contact Energy Impact Illinois for more information, or find a participating contractor on the program web site in order to sign up for the program.

Illinois business owners, non-profit organizations, and local governments seeking loans for certain energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades may apply for a rate reduction, under the Green Energy Loan program through the Illinois State Treasurer's Office, in partnership with eligible banks in the state (loan seekers are encouraged to verify if the eligible banks are actively participating in the program). Loan amounts range from $10,000 to $10 million.

To qualify, the project must be located in Illinois and meet one of the following four criteria:

1. Participation in a state or utility administered efficiency program (ComEd, Ameren, or Dept of Commerce and Economic Opportunity); or

2. Have a contract with an Energy Service Company (commonly referred to as ESCO); or

3. Have a LEED Certified Professional working on the project with the intent to pursue LEED Certification; or

4. Have a plan to install renewable energy system.

The first step is to apply for and receive a loan from a participating, eligible bank for a comprehensive energy efficiency project and/or renewable energy system. After receiving approval, the participating lending bank applies for the rate reduction from the Illinois State Treasurer's Office, using the Green Energy Loan application. If approved, the Treasurer's Office will then deposit state fund in the bank, and the bank will pass along the rate reduction. The actual rate reduction varies depending on the bank. Interest rates are updated daily on the Treasurer's web site.

The Energy Impact Illinois program offers rebates for implementing energy efficient measures. Homeowners and businesses can use the "Find Energy Savings Actions" tool to see all the programs they qualify for based on their location and home or business type. If the applicant is a Peoples, North Shore Gas, Nicor Gas, or ComEd residential customer they will most likely qualify for rebate up to $1,750 for air sealing and building insulation installation. City of Rockford homeowners can receive rebates up to $2,000 depending on improvement of energy efficiency. Commercial, industrial, and multifamily residencies can receive up to $100,000 per project based on performance and energy efficiency savings. Rebates may vary and new incentives may become available depending on zip code area.

See program web site for more information.

This program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program. The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Bureau of Energy and Recycling administers the public sector energy efficiency programs required by the Illinois Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (EEPS). Standard rebates and grants are available for many lighting, refrigeration, HVAC, and motor efficiency improvements. Custom rebates and grants are available for some measures not covered by the standard rebates.

The program is available to local, state, and federal governments; public school districts; community colleges; and universities that receive electricity and natural gas distribution service from Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Ameren affiliated utilities (AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP, and AmerenCIPS), Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas. This includes customers that purchase energy through an alternative supplier.

Pre-approval is required for all grants, custom rebates, and some standard rebate applications in order to verify project eligibility and reserve funding. It should be noted that incentives $50,000 or less are provided in the form of a rebate and incentives of $50,000 or more are provided as grants.

NOTE: There are separate guidelines, forms, application and incentive calculation spreadsheets for local government, public school, and community college entities and public universities, state and federal government entities. Visit the DCEO Energy Efficiency web site for rebate applicant relevant information and materials. Public applicants may seek assistance in paperwork submission from DCEO's Application Assistance Providers (AAPs).

Program Year 5 (June 1, 2012 to May 31, 2013)
Standard incentive amounts vary according to equipment type, size, and relative level of energy efficiency. Custom incentives are based on the amount of energy that a given improvement saves annually: public entities can receive up to $0.12/kilowatt-hour (kWh). Natural gas customers can receive up to $1.50 per annual therms savings. Custom measures must have a payback period of between one and seven years. Incentive totals may not exceed 100% of the incremental measure cost or 75% of the project cost. In addition, rebates may not exceed $50,000 and grants will not exceed $300,000 per location. Initial applications are due April 15; After DCEO review, final applications are due May 31, 2013.

Projects involving only equipment that qualifies for a standard incentive are not eligible for custom incentives. However, projects that involve a combination of standard measures and measures not eligible for standard incentives are permitted to apply under the custom program. In addition, projects involving standard measures with operating hours substantially greater than the typical operation may apply under the custom program. The following measures are specifically defined as ineligible to receive incentives:

• Fuel switching
• Projects that replace existing equipment with like equipment
• Demand response measures that do not lower overall energy consumption
• Measures installed or receiving funding under another utility, DCEO, or Clean Energy Community Foundation incentive program
• Custom projects with paybacks longer than the equipment life
• Used equipment

The program has completed its fourth year (June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012). The incentive amounts were increased during the third, fourth, and fifth years. Measures installed or costs incurred outside of this time period are not eligible for incentives. Please consult the program web site for additional details on program eligibility and application requirements.

Note: All funds have been reserved for the FY 2013 program and DCEO is no longer accepting applications for this program. The next application period is expected to open in September 2013. This entry is for informational purposes only.

The State of Illinois Renewable Energy Resources Program (RERP) promotes the development of renewable energy in Illinois. This program is funded by the Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund - the state's public benefits fund - and is administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

Fiscal Year 2013 rates have been reduced compared to previous years. All technologies and sectors are limited to $10,000 per project. The budget is $1.5 million, and applications will be accepted through April 30, 2013, or until funding has been depleted.

• Residential and commercial solar PV: $1.50/watt or 25% of project costs
• Residential and commercial wind: $1.70/watt or 30% of project costs
• Public sector and non-profit solar PV: $2.60/watt or 40% of project costs
• Public sector and non-profit wind: $2.60/watt or 40% of project costs
• All solar thermal projects: 30% of project costs

Eligibility
The program is open to customers of investor-owned and municipal utilities, as well as electric cooperatives, which impose the Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge. A list of participating utilities is available on the program website. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, associations, public and private schools, colleges and universities, public sector entities, and nonprofit organizations. Rebates are available to applicants that contribute a minimum of 25% of the total project cost (applicant investment or in coordination with financial partners). Applicants may utilize funds from other incentive programs as well, so long as the total incentive from additional programs plus the RERP rebate does not exceed 75% of the project cost (this includes the Federal Individual Tax Credit).

Solar and Wind Equipment Requirements

Photovoltaic (PV) systems must have a rated design capacity of at least 1 kilowatt (kW) and either be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or have successfully completed at least one year of field testing. Solar-thermal systems must have a rated design capacity of at least 0.5 therms or 50,000 Btus per day and be approved by the Solar Rating Certification Corporation (SRCC) or a comparable organization. Solar pool-heating systems are eligible for funding only if the pool is open to the general public on a regular basis. With respect to expansions to existing solar-energy systems, only those costs directly related to new panels (equipment and installation) are eligible for funding. Costs associated with new pumps, storage or any other balance-of-system components for expansion projects -– except for new panels –- are ineligible.

Wind energy systems must have a rated nameplate capacity ranging from 1 to 100 kilowatts. Eligible systems must be mounted on a tower of at least 60 feet in height on a land parcel of 1 acre or more. Applicants must also submit documentation verifying that the wind resource at the project site is suitable for wind generation (see the application for details). DCEO may consider urban turbines or other innovative design systems. All systems must be installed by a licensed, bonded and insured professional. For homeowners that choose to self-install systems, only the equipment costs will be eligible for the rebate.

Rebate applicants are encouraged to complete and submit applications to reserve funding before making a financial investment. If eligible, DCEO will issue a "Notice to Proceed" letter and funding will be reserved for 120 days from the date of the application. Applicants then have 120 days to complete installation and submit required documentation, including a notification of project completion letter.

The Illinois Energy Efficiency Loan Program, administered through AFC First and funded by participating utilities, provides loans to customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor, North Shore Gas, and Peoples Gas. Typically, loans of up to $20,000 can be repaid over the course of 3, 5, or 10 years. The interest rate is currently set at 4.99% although certain loan specifications may vary from utility to utility. These on-bill financing loans are designed to be repaid through regular utility bill payments and typically target residential customers, although certain utilities will allow commercial participation. Each utility has specific energy efficiency products that qualify for these loans, as both gas and electric utilities are program participants. View the program web site to learn about the products available from each utility company.

Generally, natural gas customers are eligible for financing on furnace purchases if the equipment meets program requirements. Contact your natural gas utility for details on financing for additional equipment. Electric customers may be eligible for financing on appliances, insulation measures and air conditioning systems. View program web site or contact your utility for more details.

Wabash Valley Power Association (WVPA) is a generation and transmission cooperative which provides wholesale electricity to 28 distribution systems in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Illinois. View the WVPA membership webpage to view all participating members of the association. WVPA offers a number of rebates to its business, school, and farm customers through its "Power Moves" program. Rebates are available on air-source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, air conditioners, programmable thermostats, lighting measures, and agricultural equipment. A signed application and installation invoice must be received by Wabash Valley Power within 60 days of the installation completion date. View the program web site listed above for more program or equipment information. Contact WVPA directly with any questions regarding participating utilities.

Wabash Valley Power Association (WVPA) is a generation and transmission cooperative which provides wholesale electricity to 28 distribution systems in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, and Illinois. View the WVPA membership webpage to view all participating members of the association. WVPA offers a number of rebates to residential customers of these member organizations. Rebates are available for water heaters, air-source, geothermal, and dual fuel heat pumps, and appliance recyclng.

 A signed application and installation invoice must be received by Wabash Valley Power within 60 days of the installation completion date. View the program web site listed above for more program or equipment information. Only equipment purchased and installed on or after January 1, 2012 and before January 1, 2013 qualifies for this incentive. The maximum total incentive payment per member for all eligible projects and equipment types purchased and installed on or after January 1, 2012 and before January 1, 2013 is $10,000.

WVPA also has programs in place to help customers pursue Touchstone Energy Homes, help manage peak loads, and to provide home energy assessments. Contact WVPA or visit the website listed above for specific details and program guidelines.

Ameren offers several programs targeted at grocery stores, convenience stores, refrigerated warehouses or spaces, and commercial kitchens. These programs are designed to improve the energy efficiency of lighting, controls, motor, and refrigeration equipment used in these facilities.

The Grocery/Convenience Store Incentive Program and the Refrigeration Incentive Program offer rebates and incentives on refrigerator/freezer lighting and controls, night curtains, automatic door closers, efficient door gaskets and refrigerator and freezer tune-ups. Customers on Rates DS-2, DS-3, DS-4, or DS-5 are eligible for these incentives. Several Refrigeration Incentives may be found on the Grocery/Convenience Store Application as well. See program web site and application forms for guidelines and eligibility. Customers must receive pre-approval from Ameren in order to start project.

Prescriptive rebates are available for many HVAC and motor efficiency improvements. Pre-approval is required for all rebates. The programs are available only to non-residential customers that receive wire service from Ameren affiliates under an eligible rate schedule (DS-2, DS-3, DS-4). This includes distribution customers of Ameren affiliates that purchase energy through an alternative supplier. Act On Energy Business Programs include:

• Lighting
• Heating / AC
• Water Heaters
• Refrigeration/Freezers
• Steam Boilers
• Variable Frequency Drives
• Retro Commissioning
• Compressed Air Leak Survey
• Custom Incentives

Rebates are also listed and provided based on business type. Custom incentives are provided for a variety of equipment including geothermal heat pumps and large HVAC projects. View the Ameren web site for more information on these offerings. View program documentation and requirements before making purchases or upgrades.

Ameren Illinois offers their non-residential Illinois customers a wide range of incentives for the installation of lighting improvements. Customers must review all equipment requirements to ensure eligibility. View the program web site for all incentives and requirements.

Multifamily structures are eligible for increased incentives through the Multifamily Common Area Lighting Program.

The Multi-Family Properties Energy Efficiency Rebate Program aims to increase the energy efficiency of multi-family properties by implementing simple measures. There are two programs within this initiative. The Common Area Program provides rebate incentives to building owners for purchasing and installing efficient lighting, controls, signage, insulation, air/duct sealing, and HVAC measures. Interested applicants must complete the Request for Reservation of Incentive Funds (Request) and the Terms and Conditions forms, then fax or mail them to the Program office. See application on program web site for equipment standards and requirements.

The In-Unit Energy Efficiency Program provides energy efficient measures such as CFL bulbs, faucet aerators, water pipe insulation, and efficient shower heads for free to eligible customers. Property owners or managers must apply for the free measures. Eligible buildings have three or more apartments per building. Measures should be installed within 15 days of receiving free equipment. See program web site and contact Ameren Illinois Utilities for program guidelines.

Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenIP, AmerenCIPS, and AmerenCILCO) offer residential customers incentives for certain energy efficiency upgrades and improvements. Incentives are currently available to residential homeowners for lighting, refrigerator/freezer recycling, certain ENERGY STAR appliances, and HVAC upgrades. Lighting incentives are offered through purchase discounts while other equipment rebates are issued through rebates. Appliances must be certified as ENERGY STAR and all HVAC equipment must meet the program requirements listed on the program web site. View the program web site or contact Ameren for more information on purchasing, eligibility and installation.

Ameren Illinois offers several incentive programs that include efficient natural gas technologies. The programs are available only to non-residential customers that receive natural gas service from Ameren Illinois affiliates. The HVAC/Water Heater Incentive Program offers incentives on furnace and boiler tune-ups, furnace and boiler replacements, and water heaters. Several measures may also be found on the Commercial Kitchen, Agriculture and Lodging applications.

The Commercial Kitchen Incentive Program offers incentives on steamers, griddles, fryers, and other commercial kitchen equipment. Several measures may also be found on the Grocery and Lodging applications as well. The Steam Trap /Process Steam Incentive Program offers incentives on steam trap surveys and replacements for HVAC and industrial process systems.

The Health care Retro-Commissioning is mean to help healthcare facilities improve lighting, HVAC operations, HVAC setpoints and controls. This program also offsets approximately 50%-80% of the discovery phase in tune-up projects. Health care facilities must be 100,000 sq. ft. or larger. See program web site to access important information and applications. Customers should wait for pre-approval from Ameren before starting project any project over $10,000. See program web site for other important information.

See program web site and application forms for guidelines and eligibility. Customers on Delivery Service Rates GDS-2, GDS-3, GDS-4, or GDS-5 are eligible for these incentives. Customers must receive pre-approval from ActOnEnergy in order to start projects if the incentive request is greater than $10,000.
 

Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenIP, AmerenCIPS, and AmerenCILCO) offer residential customers incentives for certain energy efficiency upgrades and improvements. Incentives are currently available to residential homeowners for natural gas boiler, furnaces, insulation, certain ENERGY STAR appliances, and HVAC upgrades. All equipment must meet program efficiency and installation standards. Contact Ameren for additional information on these offerings.

City Water Light and Power (CWLP) offers rebates to help commercial customers increase the energy efficiency of participating facilities. Energy efficient air-to-air, geothermal and water-loop-system heat pumps are eligible for rebates which vary according to the technology type, cooling capacity, cooling efficiency, and category. The size of the rebate is based on British Thermal Units per Hour (Btu/h) cooling capacity, cooling efficiency and category, as defined by the program rules. Rebates on insulation, heat pumps, lighting upgrades, refrigerator recycling, and retro-commissioning are also available to eligible commercial customers. Rebates are only available to CWLP electric customers and will appear as credits on customers' electric bills. Contact CWLP for more program information.

City Water Light and Power (CWLP) offers rebates to Springfield residential customers for increasing the energy efficiency of participating homes. Rebates are available for geothermal heat pumps, air source heat pumps, central air conditioners, refrigerator recycling, insulation and water heaters. Customers interested in the water heater rebate must be pre-certified by CWLP before removing existing gas water heaters and before purchasing or installing new electric water heaters in new or existing homes. CWLP requires a post installation inspection before awarding rebates for equipment. Visit the web site for more details and application forms. Rebates are available only to CWLP electric customers.

Note: Funding for the Solar Rewards program has been exhausted. Check the program web site for more information regarding additional funding, expected March 2013.

City Water, Light and Power  (CWLP) is now offering residential and commercial customers a $1,500 per kilowatt (kW) rebate for installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Rebates are limited to $15,000 per customer account.  In order to obtain an application, contact the CWLP Energy Services Office directly using the email or phone number below. Applicants must have CWLP metered electric service and must obtain pre-approval from the CWLP before purchasing equipment. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, until the program funds are exhausted.

ComEd offers the Business Instant Lighting Discounts program to businesses, multi-family properties and private schools. Incentives are available on a variety of reduced wattage lamps which can be installed as a direct replacement for standard lamps without having to rewire the fixture. Eligible lamps include screw-in CFLs, reduced wattage T8 and T5 linear fluorescents, screw-in LED lamps and LED trim kits and reduced wattage ceramic metal halide lamps. All incentives are provided through participating electrical distributor Trade Allies. A full list of participating Trade Allies is located on the program web site listed above. Contact ComEd for any additional information on this program.

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) offers its non-residential Illinois customers a wide range of incentives for the installation of energy efficiency improvements. To participate, customers must be a delivery service customer of ComEd with a valid account number on an eligible ComEd non-residential rate. Electricity can be supplied by a retail electric supplier (RES) as long as the electricity is delivered by ComEd. The account must be in the customer’s name. Customers of municipal utilities in such towns as Naperville, St. Charles, Batavia, Geneva, Winnetka and Rochelle are not eligible for the Smart Ideas programs because they do not pay into the fund.

Standard incentive amounts vary according to equipment type, size, and relative level of energy efficiency. Custom incentives are based on the amount of energy that a given improvement saves per year. Custom measures must comply with minimum and maximum payback period requirements. Standard incentives 50% of the project cost.

Projects involving only equipment that qualifies for a standard incentive are not eligible for custom incentives. However, projects that involve a combination of standard measures and measures not eligible for standard incentives may be permitted to apply under the custom program. The following measures are specifically defined as ineligible to receive incentives:

• Fuel switching
• On-site electricity generation
• Operational and maintenance practice changes or simple control modifications not involving capital costs
• Peak shifting
• Measures installed or receiving funding under another utility incentive program
• Renewables

Commonwealth Edison's (ComEd) New Construction Service program element, in coordination with Nicor Gas, provides cash incentives and technical assistance to encourage building owners, designers and architects to surpass standard practices. The New Construction program’s goal is to achieve energy savings through technical assistance early in the design phase of a new building. Technical assistance can take many forms ranging from plan review to whole building energy modeling. Customers must be located in the ComEd service territory to receive electric incentives. Additionally, customers must be located in the ComEd and Nicor Gas service territories to receive both electric and natural gas incentives. Contact ComEd for more information on this program.

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) offers residential customers and building owners (or managers) incentives for certain energy efficiency upgrades and improvements. Increased incentives are available to residential homeowners, building owners and property managers for certain efficiency upgrades where electricity is used for both water heating and space heating. The lighting incentive is administered as an off-the-shelf discount program where purchasers receive a discount on compact fluorescent light bulbs from participating retailers (see web site for listing). Technicians will perform a free of charge energy assessment of common areas in addition to the upgrades above. Condo owners and renters are encouraged to have their property manager or building owner contact ComEd about this program.

ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas fund the Small Business Energy Savings program in which an energy advisor conducts a free on-site energy assessment and provides free installation of energy saving products as well as recommendations for further improvements with rebates of up to 70%.  Participants should confirm that they meet both electric and gas utility eligibility requirements, be a ComEd Customer with a peak electric demand of less than 100kW, a gas customer using less than 60,000 therms per year, and be owned or managed by a non-national chain with less than 10 businesses in the utilities’ service territory.  Projects should bring about a permanent reduction in electric or natural gas use (not including new facility construction).

Corn Belt Energy, through the Wabash Valley Power Association, offers business, school, and farm customers a variety of energy efficient rebates and incentives through its "Power Moves" program. Rebates are available in equipment areas such as:

• Air-source and geothermal heat pumps
• Air conditioners,
• Programmable thermostats,
• Lighting measures,
• Air economizers
• Agricultural equipment.

A signed application and installation invoice must be received by Wabash Valley Power within 60 days of the installation completion date. View the program web site listed above and the Power Moves program applications for specific requirements.

The Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) offers rebates to member municipal utilities* (those who purchase wholesale electric service from IMEA) and retail customers for energy efficiency upgrades. The incentive program provides up to 75% of the project cost in rebates or grants for qualified efficiency projects --although all incentives are subject to funding availability. Rebates are provided for a variety of projects including custom measures. The same program eligibility and applications apply.

Eligible projects are those which will result in electricity savings, either through equipment upgrades, or building or process improvements. A wide range of efficiency technologies and equipment, such as lighting, HVAC, motors, insulation, vending controls, among others, are eligible. Specific rebate amounts are provided in IMEA's application. Custom projects will also be considered under a separate incentive level of $0.10 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for one year's estimated energy savings and breakthrough equipment and exterior lighting will be provided an incentive level of $0.30/kWh for one year's estimated energy savings. The energy savings of the selected equipment must provide a financial payback before the useful life of the equipment expires.

Pre-approval is required, and interested applicants should reserve funding prior to purchasing any equipment. Interested applicants should submit applications to their municipal utility first. The municipal utility will submit it to IMEA for review. IMEA is working with the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity to administer the rebate. If approved, rebate recipients are required to provide all receipts and invoices in a final application due within 45 days of project completion. See IMEA's web site for application materials.

*IMEA provides a list of member municipal utilities on its web site.

Jo-Carroll Energy Cooperative, Inc. (JCECI) offers a variety of rebates on energy efficient equipment to members receiving electric or natural gas service from JCECI. Both residential and commercial customers are eligible for incentives through this program. Rebates are available for the purchase and installation of qualifying Energy Star washers, dishwashers, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, lighting, and window air conditioning units, as well as heat pumps, central air conditioning units, boilers, furnaces and natural gas water heaters. An appliance recycling rebate of $25 is also available, which rewards members for the proper recycling of older appliances. Applications for both electric and natural gas customers are available on the program web site listed above. Applications must be accompanied by receipts or invoices which document the equipment efficiency and date of purchase. Review program application form to ensure all equipment eligibility standards are met. Contact JCECI for any other information on this program.

MidAmerican Energy offers a variety of energy efficiency rebate programs to its nonresidential customers located in Illinois. The amount of the rebate varies greatly depending on the technology, its size and efficiency. Brochures that contain the details of rebate amounts and a rebate application can be accessed via the web site above.

Rebates must be submitted within three months of equipment installation in existing buildings and within six months of equipment installation in new construction. An itemized and dated invoice from the contractor must accompany the equipment application and must include details about the sizes and efficiency of all equipment. MidAmerican Energy also offers a custom system rebate for projects that improve energy efficiency but may not fit into the prescribed rebate programs.

MidAmerican Energy also offers the BusinessCheck program, which is a free on-site energy audit service for small commercial facilities. An energy specialist will give recommendations and have several energy efficient options ready to install during the visit. Audit applications are available from the BusinessCheck Program web site. The Non-Residential Energy Analysis Program and Commercial New Construction Program also provide incentives and no cost services to eligible non-residential customers.

MidAmerican Energy offers a variety of incentives for residential customers to improve the energy efficiency of participating homes. Electric customers of MidAmerican Energy qualify for rebates on programmable thermostats, air source heat pumps, add-on heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps, central air conditioning units and room air conditioning units. The Residential Equipment Brochure on the program web site above provides specific rebate amounts, details and requirements. After installing qualifying equipment, customers should submit a completed Equipment Rebate Application and a detailed invoice to MidAmerican. Heating and cooling dealers have a supply of Equipment Rebate Applications and will participate with customers. Applications must be postmarked by January 31 of the following year in order to receive rebates.

MidAmerican Energy offers a variety of energy efficiency rebate programs to nonresidential customers located in Illinois. The amount of the rebate varies greatly depending on the technology, its size and efficiency. Brochures that contain the details of rebate amounts and a rebate application can be accessed via the web site above.

Rebates must be submitted within three months of equipment installation in existing buildings and within six months of equipment installation in new construction. An itemized and dated invoice from the contractor must accompany the equipment application and must include details about the sizes and efficiency of all equipment. MidAmerican Energy also offers a custom system rebate for projects that improve energy efficiency but may not fit into the prescribed rebate programs.

MidAmerican Energy also offers the BusinessCheck program, which is a free on-site energy audit service for small commercial facilities. An energy specialist will give recommendations and have several energy efficient options ready to install during the visit. Audit applications are available from the BusinessCheck Program website. The Non-Residential Energy Analysis Program and Commercial New Construction Program also provide incentives and no cost services to eligible non-residential customers.

MidAmerican Energy offers a variety of incentives for residential customers to improve the energy efficiency of eligible homes. The Residential Equipment Brochure on the program web site above provides specific rebate amounts be efficiency, further details and requirements. After installing qualifying equipment, customers should submit a completed Equipment Rebate Application and a detailed invoice to MidAmerican. Heating and cooling dealers have a supply of Equipment Rebate Applications and will participate with customers. Applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2013 in order to receive rebates.

Nicor Gas offers a variety of rebates to commercial customers for the purchase and installation of energy efficient products. Rebates are available on water heaters, furnaces, boilers, boiler controls and maintenance, steam trap upgrades, and more. Custom rebates are also available to these customers and are based on therms saved. Customers can also choose the Instant Discount Option, which provides a reduced discount at point of purchase from a participating contractor. Contractors are eligible to attend webinars about program details, education materials/sales tools and program information, materials to build customer awareness and demand, and sales/marketing training workshops.

The Custom Incentive Program is for projects not covered by the other Nicor Gas business program. Projects related to building envelope and windows, commercial-sized space heating, heat-intensive manufacturing processes, and more will be considered for a custom incentive up to $500,000. The Retro-Commissioning program uses studies and tune-ups to maximize efficiency in a building's operating systems, and the Small Business Energy Savings Program provides free energy assessments, hot-water and gas-saving devices, and up to 70% of a small business' costs to purchase and install qualifying measures, like programmable thermostats, conduct boiler and furnace tune-ups.

Energy efficient heating products are eligible for Nicor Gas rebates. Applications must be postmarked no later than 90 days after installation. Customers can also choose the Instant Discount Option, which provides a reduced discount at point of purchase from a participating contractor. In addition to the energy efficiency rebates listed above, Nicor offers the Home Energy Savings Program through participating communities, which will provide participants with an onsite energy audit and install free energy saving products. A New Construction Program offers single- family homes and duplexes incentives for efficiency. Contractors are eligible to attend webinars about Program details, education materials/ sales tools and program information, materials to build customer awareness and demand, sales/marketing training workshops, and rebates that customers choose to sign over to the contractor, acting as an instant discount for the customer. The Multi-Family Home Energy Savings Program (with ComEd) provides free installation of several energy saving products including showerheads, faucet aerators for kitchen and bathroom sinks, and up to six compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) per residential unit. Prospective participants can contact the Multi-Family Program at (877) 735-6687.

North Shore Gas offers the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program to help non-residential customers purchase energy efficient equipment. Rebates are available on energy efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters, controls, cooking equipment, equipment tune-ups and custom measures. Businesses and landlords whose facilities are on Service Classification No. 2 are eligible for these non-residential rebates. To qualify, gas furnaces, boilers, and water heaters must be installed by professional contractors and equipment must meet efficiency requirements. A full list of eligible equipment and instructions on how to apply for rebates can be found on the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program web site. Applications must be made no later than 60 days after the equipment purchase date. Contact Peoples Gas for additional information on this program.

The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program is funded by customers of Peoples Gas, through a line item on the bill called the Enhanced Efficiency Program. The Program is guided by Peoples Gas, the Citizen's Utility Board, the City of Chicago Department of Environment, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

Peoples Gas offers the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program to help residential and multi-family residential customers purchase energy efficient equipment. Rebates are available on energy efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters, controls and insulation. To qualify, gas furnaces, boilers, and water heaters must be installed by professional contractors. Property owners of multifamily units may also participate in this program. A full list of eligible models and insulation and instructions on how to apply for the rebates can be found on the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program web site. Applications must be made no later than 60 days after the equipment purchase date.

The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program is funded by customers of Peoples Gas, through a line item on the bill called the Enhanced Efficiency Program. The Program is guided by Peoples Gas, the Citizen's Utility Board, the City of Chicago Department of Environment, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

Peoples Gas offers the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program to help non-residential customers purchase energy efficient equipment. Rebates are available on energy efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters, controls, cooking equipment, equipment tune-ups and custom measures. Businesses and landlords whose facilities are on Service Classification No. 2 are eligible for these non-residential rebates. To qualify, gas furnaces, boilers, and water heaters must be installed by professional contractors and equipment must meet efficiency requirements. A full list of eligible equipment and instructions on how to apply for rebates can be found on the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program web site. Applications must be made no later than 60 days after the equipment purchase date. Contact Peoples Gas for additional information on this program.

The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program is funded by customers of Peoples Gas, through a line item on the bill called the Enhanced Efficiency Program. The Program is guided by Peoples Gas, the Citizen's Utility Board, the City of Chicago Department of Environment, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

Peoples Gas offers the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program to help residential customers purchase energy efficient equipment. Rebates are available on energy efficient furnaces, boilers, water heaters, controls and insulation. Businesses and landlords whose facilities are on Service Classification No. 2 are ineligible to participate but are eligible for non-residential rebates. To qualify, gas furnaces, boilers, and water heaters must be installed by professional contractors and meet stated efficiency requirements. Insulation must be installed by an Illinois Home Performance with Energy Star-certified contractor. A full list of eligible models and insulation and instructions on how to apply for the rebates can be found on the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program web site. Applications must be made no later than 60 days after the equipment purchase date. Additionally, building owners may have high-pressure, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators installed in units free of charge. Contact Peoples Gas for more information on this program.

The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program is funded by customers of Peoples Gas, through a line item on the bill called the Enhanced Efficiency Program. The Program is guided by Peoples Gas, the Citizen's Utility Board, the City of Chicago Department of Environment, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office.