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DCEO PROGRAM NOTICE: This chart displays the funding availability for the Illinois Energy Now Public Sector Standard and Custom Incentive Programs. Please check below to make sure funding is currently available at DCEO before you fill out and submit an application to us.
PLEASE NOTE: DCEO funding is for Public Sector entities only, and is separate from funding provided through similar programs with utility companies for businesses, 501c3s and private schools. If you are not a public sector organization, please check with your utility provider to see what energy efficiency programs may be available for you.
DCEO ILLINOIS ENERGY NOW PUBLIC SECTOR FUNDING AVAILABILITY (as of January 1, 2012)
Illinois Energy Now is an energy efficiency program administered by the State of Illinois that provides millions of dollars in rebates to public facilities that make large-scale equipment improvements to their electric and natural gas systems. More than $70 million is available annually to help fund these projects.
Why Apply?
Eligible organizations can save money in short-term and long-term.
- Short-term savings: Potential reimbursement for up to 75 percent of energy improvement costs
- Long-term savings : Reduced cost of future utility bills
Who Qualifies?
All Illinois public facilities located within Ameren Illinois and ComEd electrical service areas or Ameren Illinois, Nicor, North Shore or Peoples natural gas areas are eligible to take advantage of Illinois Energy Now. Examples of public facilities include:
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Local governments including municipalities, townships, and county facilities
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Special units of local governments including library and park districts, public safety and water reclamation districts.
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Public schools including k-12, community colleges and public universities
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State and federal agencies including corrections facilities and military bases.
What types of projects are eligible?
Potential upgrades to electric and natural gas systems include but are not limited to:
- Lighting equipment
- HVAC equipment
- Refrigeration equipment
- Motors and drives
- Gas furnaces
- Water heaters and boilers
- LED Traffic signs
How do I apply?
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Step 1: Download program guidelines and application forms
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Step 2: Complete application and submit to
[email protected]
- Step 3: DCEO reviews application, gives notice to proceed and confirms rebate amount
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Step 4: Upgrade qualifying electric and gas equipment
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Step 5: Submit a final application with work completed and costs
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Step 6: DCEO reviews final appliction and processes rebate
Where can I find more information on specific programs related to Illinois Energy Now?
1. IEN Standard and Custom Incentive Programs
2. IEN New Construction Program
3. IEN Retro-commissioning Program
4. IEN Energy Efficiency Aggregation Program
5. ISBE School Energy Efficiency Grants
6. Public Sector Natural Gas Boiler Tune-up Program
7. Trade Ally Program
Where can I find more information on Market Transformation programs related to Illinois Energy Now?
1. Building Industry Training and Education Program (BITE) - During Program Year 2012-2013, the BITE Program will fund projects that provide statewide, regional, or sector-based capacity building through outreach, education, training, and application assistance to entities within the service territories of the following utilities: ComEd (electric), Ameren Illinois (electric and natural gas), Nicor Gas (natural gas), Peoples Gas (natural gas), or North Shore Gas (natural gas). Applications are currently being accepted and are due by 4:30 pm on May 31, 2012. Please click here for program guidelines and application.
Illinois Energy Conservation Code for Commercial and Residential Buildings
Illinois Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®
2. Smart Energy Design Assistance - DCEO partners with the University of Illinois School of Architecture in order to provide technical assistance services to businesses, federal, state and local government, public schools, community colleges, public universities and colleges to assist clients who are considering energy efficiency improvements at existing facilities or to enhance baseline design of new facilities.
3. Energy Performance Contracting Program - an innovative arrangement for designing, installing and financing energy improvement projects where the savings achieved by the project are guaranteed to amortize the cost of the project over the term of the agreement.
4. Lights for Learning Program - A BRIGHT IDEA! - The Lights for Learning fundraiser is a great way to raise money for your school or organization by having students sell energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Light (CFLs) bulbs. CFLs can last up to 10 times as long as an incandescent bulb while using 75% less energy. Schools or organizations earn a 50% profit and a free educational assembly or classroom presentation about energy conservation.
Where can I find more information on Low Income Energy Efficiency programs related to Illinois Energy Now?
1. Public Housing Authority: Efficient Living - provides grants to Illinois Public Housing Authorities to upgrade and/or include energy efficient building practices in their buildings.
2. Energy Efficient Affordable Housing Construction Program - provides grants 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. Average energy savings range from 50% to 75%.
3. Residential Retrofit Energy Efficiency Program - provides grants to Illinois based low income weatherization or low income home improvement program applicants to fund projects that install energy efficiency measures in existing residential buildings to leverage existing programs.
What if I don’t qualify for Illinois Energy Now but I’m interested in a similar incentive?
Residential, commercial, industrial and non-profit organizations are eligible for energy efficiency incentives from their participating utility provider:
Ameren Illinois Act on Energy Programs
ComEd Smart Ideas Programs
Nicor Gas
North Shore Gas
Peoples Gas
Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) members are eligible for the