Energy Efficiency Assessment Program

The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program, administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Office of Energy, is supported by federal funds from the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) through the State Energy Program (SEP) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The program is intended to promote energy efficiency improvements in residential properties that support residents receiving housing assistance. Eligible applicants include Illinois-based public housing authorities, municipalities, counties, townships, and nonprofit organizations that manage qualifying properties. Funding is designed to support professional energy assessments as a first step toward future energy-saving improvements. The objective of the program is to reduce energy consumption and increase energy performance in properties that serve low-income or housing-assisted residents. Through a third-party energy assessment, inefficiencies in structural components, energy systems, and resident behavior are identified, and actionable improvements are recommended. These assessments serve as a prerequisite for applicants to pursue additional funding from the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Grant Program to implement upgrades. Assessments must be performed by qualified professionals and must include a detailed analysis of building envelope, mechanical and electrical systems, current energy consumption, and resident energy-use behaviors. The resulting reports must also provide specific upgrade recommendations along with projected costs, savings, and payback calculations. The reports must adhere to the BuildingSync XML schema for data standardization. Grants will range from $5,000 to $60,000 and be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to applicants who meet all eligibility requirements. Funding is available until either all funds are expended or until March 31, 2026. The total program funding is $350,000. The performance period for each award is six months, and recipients will be reimbursed for allowable costs after submitting detailed invoices. There is no cost match requirement, and indirect costs are allowed under certain conditions, including submission of a valid NICRA through the GATA portal. The submission process is handled through the Amplifund portal, and applicants must be registered and pre-qualified in the GATA Grantee Portal. Application reviews began on October 1, 2025, and the submission window opened on September 22, 2025. Technical assistance is available, and questions can be directed to Rebecca Luke at the Illinois EPA. Notifications of award will be issued through Amplifund, followed by a grant agreement that must be executed before expenses can be incurred. Performance and financial reporting is required quarterly for the duration of the grant term.

Submit early due to first-come, first-serve basis; ensure all GATA requirements are complete; only incur expenses after executing the agreement.