Energy Efficiency Assessment Program

The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program is a funding opportunity offered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) through the Office of Energy. This program is designed to support energy efficiency assessments for residential properties occupied by individuals participating in federal, state, or local public housing programs, housing choice vouchers, rental assistance, or subsidized housing assistance programs. The funding originates from the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program (SEP) Supplemental funds, provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The objective of this program is to reduce energy consumption and enhance energy efficiency by identifying opportunities for building upgrades. The program specifically provides funding to public housing authorities, units of local government, and nonprofit organizations managing residential properties in Illinois. The funding will support the cost of hiring third-party consultants to conduct energy efficiency assessments. These assessments will analyze current energy use and recommend cost-effective improvements to enhance energy performance and reduce operational expenses. The initiative is designed to expand the scope of energy efficiency improvements beyond the prior focus on single-family and duplex housing in environmental justice areas, now including multifamily properties across a broader geographic area. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging between $5,000 and $25,000 per assessment, with an estimated total program funding of $500,000. The Illinois EPA anticipates awarding between 20 to 100 grants under this program. The funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until the total funds are exhausted or until March 1, 2025, whichever comes first. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant, making it accessible to a wide range of eligible applicants. Applicants must provide a comprehensive narrative project plan outlining their proposed energy efficiency assessments. The plan must include property descriptions, energy consumption data, a breakdown of existing energy use behaviors, recommended improvements, estimated costs and savings, and additional energy-saving measures. Furthermore, applicants must submit a timeline, budget, and documentation demonstrating eligibility and compliance with program requirements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and funding decisions are made continuously until the program's funds are depleted. Interested applicants must submit their applications electronically through the designated Illinois EPA submission portal. The grant agreement process involves pre-qualification through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, ensuring compliance with regulatory and administrative requirements. Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement with the Illinois EPA and will be reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred during the performance period. Awarded assessments must be completed within six months of executing the grant agreement. Quarterly performance and financial reports will be required to document the progress and impact of the funded energy efficiency assessments. For further information and inquiries, applicants can contact Rebecca Luke at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency via email at rebecca.j.luke@illinois.gov or by phone at 217-558-8145.