Organizations Can Now Apply to Provide Home Energy Auditor and/or Weatherization Specialist Training through State’s Urban Weatherization Initiative

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Office of Urban Assistance is accepting applications from organizations interested in administering weatherization training and certification programs through the state’s Urban Weatherization Initiative (UWI). UWI is the nation’s first state-funded weatherization program and one of the largest job creation initiatives to date for urban communities in Illinois. Applications for both the Home Energy Auditor and Weatherization Specialist Training Programs will be accepted until noon on Wed., Dec. 19.

Summary of Programs:
Home Energy Auditor program - Organizations will provide home energy audit training and prepare trainees to become nationally certified as a home energy auditor.  Auditors will be responsible for evaluating and making recommendations on ways to make homes more energy efficient.

Weatherization Specialist program - Organizations will provide trainees with the skills they need to become weatherization specialists, including addressing air infiltration issues, and installing pipe, duct, wall, and attic insulation. Nearly 700 weatherization specialists across the state are expected to be trained as part of the second phase of the Urban Weatherization Initiative.

UWI is administered by the Office of Urban Assistance in the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, in conjunction with the UWI Board of Directors. The program recently expanded from five pilot areas - Chicago, Kankakee, Peoria, East St. Louis, and Rockford - to now serving 28 counties and communities.  

For more information about the Urban Weatherization Initiative, including applications and a complete list of eligible counties, please visit www.ildceo.net/urbanweatherization.