Energy Impact Illinois

Contact Info

Description

Energy efficiency is great for everyone – it allows homeowners to save money while creating jobs, helps the environment, and improves our energy independence. The Chicagoland area is one of only 25 communities in the United States to receive stimulus money to make homes more energy efficient as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant through the US Department of Energy's Better Buildings Neighborhood Program. Ours is in the generous amount of $25 million dollars, because most of the homes in the Chicago area are old and uninsulated. The money must be dispersed to homeowners throughout the 7-county Chicagoland area by mid-May.

In an effort to achieve this goal, local and federal governments, the utility companies and not-for profit groups have formed an alliance called Energy Impact Illinois. We’re offering generous rebates to homeowners for a limited time to kick-start the process. Studies have shown that the most cost effective way to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient is to air seal and insulate, most importantly in the attic and basement, so Energy Impact Illinois is offering several incentives to insulate and air seal homes and is making it as easy and accessible as possible by providing the following:

• My Home EQ website to get an idea of a home's energy performance.
• A $99 energy assessment that would normally cost $400-800 (free with Home Impact Party).
• An instant rebate of 70% (up to $1,750) of the cost of repairs. Average cost of repairs is $2,400. Average cost to homeowner is $720 with average savings of $500 per year on energy costs.
• Approved contractors, who have received a special level of certification from the Building Performance Institute.
• For those homes that reduce their energy consumption by 15%, an Illinois Home Performance certificate that will be included in MLS listings as of Jan. 1. (An article in the Washington Post stated recently that homes in California with the energy efficiency rating sold at rates 9% higher and in Portland, Oregon, sold 3-4 times faster than similar homes without the rating.)

Benefits of the program:

• Lower energy bills (average $500/year), making houses more affordable
• Lower energy consumption, improve air quality, and reduce our carbon footprints!

If you would like to host a home energy party (and get a free energy assessment), please contact me! We need your help to make Chicagoland greener and more energy efficient! I'm also looking for volunteers to help me host neighborhood events, connect Energy Impact Illinois with local organizations, and provide a presence in the community. You can become a part of the team, connect with other passionate volunteers, and make a positive impact in these communities!

Read more about "Community, State and Federally Supported Programs"