February 2017 NEWS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

As a result of recent legislation, after January 1, 2018, the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity will no longer administer Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard Funds (EEPS), which support Illinois Energy Now Programs for the public sector, low income customers, and market transformation.  After that time, each electric and gas utility will be responsible for offering their own public sector, low income, and market transformation programs in their service territories. 
 
Please note, there are still several months left in this EEPS program year, and the Department has a significant amount of funding left in most utility territories.  We strongly encourage you to apply now for incentives for any projects that can be completed on or before May 31, 2017
 
As for the future, there are still many issues that need to be resolved, such as what the future utility programs will look like and how applications for projects that will be completed after June 1, 2017 will be handled.  We assure you that the Department takes these issues seriously and is working diligently with the utilities to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for our customers.  For now, please continue to submit your applications to us, and we will provide further information as soon as it is available. 
 
For those large electric accounts where the utility classifies your organization's account as over 10MW, beginning 6/1/17, you will be excluded from the Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard requirements and programs  - you will no longer have to pay into the fund, and as a result will no longer be able to participate in the Department or utility energy efficiency programs.
Public Sector Standard and Custom Program

The ILLINOIS ENERGY NOW (IL ENERGY NOW) Public Sector and Low Income programs are funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and available to facilities in Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Peoples, Nicor and North Shore utility service areas.


The Deadline for new Standard and Custom applications has been extended
until April 14, 2017.

Limited Time Offer - 15% GreenSpring Bonus for Standard and Custom Rebate Applications submitted to the Department and received January 30, 2017, or after:

For New Applications received January 30, 2017, or after, a 15% GreenSping Bonus will be applied, with a Bonus Cap of $50,000.  

GreenSpring Bonuses will be applied as funds are available.

Projects in the following utility areas only are eligible for this bonus:
  • Ameren Electric
  • Nicor Gas
  • Peoples Gas
  • North Shore Gas  
Natural Gas Efficiency Incentives Webinar

With the still wintery weather, it's a good time to consider a new boiler or a tune-upHigh-efficiency boilers can be over 20% more efficient than existing systems, leading to significant savings. Boiler tune-ups make sure that your boiler is running efficiently by optimizing the fuel-to-air ratio.  To ensure complete combustion of the natural gas supplied to the combustion chamber, an excess amount of air is supplied during the combustion process.  Too much excess air wastes energy and increases operating costs. A boiler tune-up measures this excess air, indicated by the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the exhaust gasses.  Technicians can then adjust the fuel-to-air ratio to improve efficiency.  Read more ... 

IL Energy Now hosted a webinar on February 2 about natural gas efficiency promotions. View the presentation here
Spotlight on Savings: Springfield Park District

The Springfield Park District applied for an Illinois Energy Now grant to update the outdated HVAC system in their botanical garden greenhouses and greenhouse conservatory. Their boiler system was 42 years old, inefficient, plagued with constant breakdowns, and in need of frequent repairs. With the help of Illinois Energy Now, they were able to replace it with an energy-efficient modular condensing boiler system. A $6,720 incentive helped cover the cost of the upgrade.
 
The new HVAC system has led to significant reductions in utility costs. The new system is easy to control, easy to maintain, and stress-free. Chad Scaife, general manager of the botanical garden, writes that it's been a relief to "not have to make constant repairs (at all hours)."
In Their Words:
The Springfield Park District highly recommend the Illinois Energy Now program to others. Scaife writes, "We are very fortunate and extremely grateful to work with knowledgeable and caring people from the Illinois Office of Energy and Recycling who understand [our] needs and really care about the project and the people involved." 
Lights for Learning, Full Speed Ahead!

Educators across Southern and Central Illinois are currently delivering exciting energy efficiency lessons, with over 5,000 students scheduled to benefit over the next few months and more sign ups each day! Funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, the Lights for Learning® program provides free educator resources to stimulate student awareness of energy efficiency and inspire students to take action. Learn more and sign up at www.lights4learning.org
The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Public Sector Energy Efficiency Program 

T he Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Public Sector Energy Efficiency Program (PSEE) provides ILLINOIS ENERGY NOW funding and free technical assistance to public agencies in Northeastern Illinois to upgrade the energy efficiency of their buildings, facilities and streetlights.  
 
CALL FOR GAS-SAVING PROJECTS !  Public agencies are invited to submit proposals for projects that reduce demand for natural gas throughout the Nicor, Peoples and North Shore service territories.  Gas-saving measures include boiler and chiller replacements, HVAC system tune-ups, destratification fans, steam trap replacement, boiler and steam pipe insulation, pool heater upgrades, geothermal, kitchen equipment upgrades (ovens, cookers, exhaust hoods, washing equipment), hot water aerators and low-flow showerheads. For more information, read the program information sheet or contact Edith Makra at emakra@mayorscaucus.org.
 
Note: Projects must be completed by May 31, 2017 to receive grant payment.
 
Project Success: Prospect Heights School District 23: Geothermal

STEP Program Surpasses 350-Building Mark

The Savings Through Efficient Products (STEP) program has been working hard to target difficult-to-reach public entities within the State and provide them with high-quality energy efficiency products. STEP helps public sector facilities save energy by providing occupancy sensors, LED exit signs, LED lamps and more at no cost to the customer. So far the program has completed or scheduled over 350 engineer-led facility walkthroughs and expects to complete many more before the program year ends. STEP has been successful in increasing participation in IL ENERGY NOW programs to increase energy efficiency in the public sector. If you are interested in signing up or learning more about the program, please visit www.IllinoisSTEP.org or contact us at STEP@mwalliance.org .
M unicipal-Owned Street Lighting Incentives

Electricity costs can account for a considerable portion of a municipality's budget. Upgrading street lights to LEDs is an easy and cost effective way for municipalities to reduce their electricity costs. For those municipalities that own street lights (as opposed to leasing), incentives are available for street light LED upgrade projects. The incentive of $0.30 per kWh saved lowers the cost of these capital improvements and shortens the payback period, making street light retrofit projects a smart investment. 

Street Light Elevate Energy provides free technical assistance with the project planning and incentive application processes. To be eligible for the incentive, replacement LED lights must be certified by the DesignLights Consortium and projects must be completed by May 2017. For more information, read the program information sheet or contact Mary Jo Warskow at maryjo.warskow@elevateenergy.org or 773.922.3018.

Projects must be completed by May 2017, so call or email us today!
Park District Lighting Program

Elevate Energy's Park District Lighting program provides IL ENERGY NOW funding and free technical and application assistance to park districts in ComEd's service territory for indoor and outdoor lighting projects.  The program applies to lighting projects completed between June 1, 2016 and May 31, 2017. For more information or to start an application, please contact Mary Jo Warskow at 773.922.3018 or maryjo.warskow@elevateenergy.org
IL ENERGY NOW Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs for Public Housing Authorities

The State's Efficient Living Program is dedicated to helping public housing authorities and federally-assisted HUD Section 8 Multifamily Project Based Rental Units, HUD Section 811 Supportive Housing Units, HUD Section 202 Supportive Housing for Elderly Persons, and USDA 515 Rural Rental Housing Projects throughout the state to achieve electric and natural gas savings in their properties. The program provides grants to Illinois Federally Assisted Low-Income and Public Housing Authorities to upgrade and/or include energy efficient building practices in their buildings. Please see   www.ilpha.org for more information.
Energy T raining Opportunities - Sign up today!

Energy Webinars
SEDAC webinars on energy efficiency topics can be found at the SEDAC website .

BOC Tuition Reimbursements & Scholarships Available!
The Building Operator Certification® (BOC) is a nationally recognized training and certification program focusing on energy efficient building operations and preventative maintenance procedures. There are full scholarships for veterans and $500 tuition reimbursements available from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.


Already BOC certified? We have scholarships for graduates in IL to cover t he cost of renewing your certification this year.
 
Visit www.BOCcentral.org for eligibility requirements for tuition reimbursements and scholarships.  Interested veterans should email boc@mwalliance.org
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