City of Evanston Blog
Energy Saving Resources for Residents and Businesses
This month marks the end of the year long ComEd Community Energy Challenge. The City of Evanston was selected as one of eleven communities in ComEd’s service territory to participate in their pilot project to reduce energy use community wide. Participating communities are competing for a $100,000 prize. The City submitted an ambitious plan prior to the start of the Challenge that outlined over 20 strategies to achieve an energy reduction goal of 8 million kWh at city facilities, businesses and residences.
We have until May 31st to credit any energy reductions achieved toward our efforts to win the Challenge.
Outlined below are several resources for Evanston residents and businesses that focus on reducing energy use. Whether you utilize these energy reduction resources now (and help us win the Challenge), or in the coming months, your efforts to reduce energy at your home or business will save money and help make Evanston a better place to live, work and play. For more energy saving resources, visit the city’s online Energy Saving Guide – for residents or for businesses.
Residents
Nicor Residential Rebate Program
Nicor residential customers are eligible for rebates of up to $400 on high-efficiency water heaters, furnaces or boilers purchased between May 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. These products are also eligible for federal tax credits if the purchase is made in 2010.
Energy Star Pledge
According to the EPA, nearly two million people across the nation have pledged to take small, energy-saving steps that can change the world. If every American household took part in the pledge, we would save more than $18 billion in annual energy costs.
Evanston Porch Light Campaign
Launched on Earth Day this year, the Evanston Porch Light Campaign encourages residents to “light the way” by changing their porch light from a regular incandescent light to an energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), demonstrating simple actions can make a difference, one porch at a time. For a limited time, residents receive one free CFL when they sign the Energy Star Pledge as part of the campaign.
ComEd Residential Real Time Pricing (RRTP) Program
ComEd customers can choose a new electricity pricing option; Residential Real-Time Pricing (RRTP). Over 350 households in Evanston have signed up for the program to date, collectively saving over $60,000 since the program began. Although savings are not guaranteed, 98% of current participants have saved since the program began in 2007. Average savings in 2009 were $185 per household, but those with monthly electric bills greater than $80 saved even more. For program details, visit www.thewattspot.com.
Businesses
Nicor Business Customer Rebate Program
Nicor commercial customers on Nicor’s rates “4” and “74” are eligible for rebates on high-efficiency water heaters, furnaces, boilers and tune-ups, pre-rinse sprayers or steam traps purchased between May 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. Landlords are also eligible for the rebates.
BASE LED Exit Light Swap-out Campaign
The Business Alliance for a Sustainable (BASE) recently launched “Exit Signs for Evanston”, a campaign to replace 1,250 exit signs in Evanston with super-efficient, long-lasting LED models. Until May 31, any Evanston business or building owner can sign up to have their old exit signs replaced – installation included – at a flat price of $75 per sign. Additionally, small businesses that act fast can receive a $20 per-sign rebate from ComEd.
ComEd Smart Ideas for Your Business Program
Now in its third year, the ComEd Smart Ideas for your Business Program offers cash back on electric efficiency improvements for commercial customers. Eligible improvements include upgrades to lighting, HVAC or refrigeration systems, and much more.
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