Renewable Energy Archives | Citizens Utility Board

CUB announces return of solar group-buy program

Elizabeth — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:45:14 +0000

CUB is partnering with county governments, a nonprofit and solar professionals to promote a group-buy program that can secure deep discounts on solar installations and help participants cut their power bills by hundreds of dollars a year. Switch Together–formerly “Solar Switch”– is a nationwide program that makes rooftop solar installations more affordable, while also offering solar education. The most recent auction secured an average discount of $4,838. To date, 1,585 households in northern Illinois have accepted an offer from Switch Together. “The Switch Together program fits well into CUB’s consumer advocacy mission, because it delivers trustworthy information about solar power–without annoying, high-pressure sales tactics,” said Marina Minic, CUB’s solar programs coordinator. “Clean, affordable energy is in high demand–people tell us this all the time–so we’re happy to work with the Switch Together program to educate people about solar power, and to help interested homeowners enjoy deep discounts in solar installations and cut their electric bills by hundreds of dollars a year.” The program is a partnership among CUB, fellow nonprofit Midwest Renewable Energy Association and several Chicagoland counties: Cook, DuPage, Lake and Kane. (Residents of Kendall, McHenry and Will counties also can participate in Switch Together.) The program is managed by iChoosr, a company that administers similar programs throughout the United States. Here’s how Switch Together works to lower costs for participants: As a “group-buy” program, it secures volume discounts for quality solar installations. The program selects installers through a competitive vetting process and then runs a “reverse auction”–where multiple qualified solar installers compete to secure a low base-price. The 30 percent federal tax credit can further reduce costs, and incentives through the Illinois Shines Program could provide additional savings of approximately 30 percent. There’s no hard sell. As part of the registration process, you answer basic questions about your roof and energy usage. If your roof is suitable for solar panels, you provide your details to receive a personal recommendation. You receive a free personal recommendation upon registering for the program. Registrants are also able to attend an online educational session, called a “Solar Power Hour,” to learn more, but there is no obligation to accept an offer. (iChooser promises: “You will not receive sales calls from us or from installers. Your information will not be shared with third parties.”) The personal recommendation will be based on your registration details, and will include your estimated costs, savings, and expected electricity generation. Then it’s up to you whether to accept or decline the offer–there’s no obligation. If you accept, you will be asked to pay a $150 deposit. The program deposit is fully refundable if for any reason you decide not to move forward with your solar installation. If you accept your recommendation, Switch Together connects you with a program installer, who will contact you for a survey (to confirm the roof’s suitability), finalize the offer and set an installation date. (If the survey deems your roof unsuitable, you can cancel the process.) For more information, visit SwitchTogether.com/Solar/Chicagoland to register or learn more. The final day to register and accept a personal recommendation is June 25. If you believe you […]

The post CUB announces return of solar group-buy program appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

Electrifying news: Utilities offer home rebates, discounts for moving from gas to electricity

Elizabeth — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 19:17:37 +0000

By: Kate Shonk CUB Sustainable Communities Liason At almost every outreach event, CUB staff fields questions on electrification. Now more than ever, it’s clear consumers are curious about alternatives to gas, and now more than ever there are financial incentives to help them make that switch. Because electric supply can come from renewable energy sources, electrifying your home can lead to lower emissions and more affordable utility bills. (Read CUB’s blog on “What is Electrification?”) Transitioning away from gas in your own home can seem daunting, but it can start by replacing one outdated, broken or inefficient gas-powered appliance. And on top of the environmental benefits of electrification, there are new financial incentives. We compiled a list of rebates to help you begin the electrification process, but be sure to check out CUB’s Statewide Better Heat Guide for more information on cheaper and cleaner ways to fuel your home. For those in ComEd territory, check out these rebates: Replace your gas-powered clothes dryer with an electric dryer to qualify for a $40 rebate. Buy a heat pump-powered clothes dryer to qualify for a $200 rebate. Purchase an induction cooktop for a $100 rebate. Receive a discount of up to $2,000 on qualifying air source heat pumps, or a $100 discount on air source heat pump tune-ups. Receive a discount of up to a $9,000 on a geothermal (ground source) heat pump system, or a $1,275-$1,800 discount on a geothermal heat pump indoor unit replacement. Receive a discount of up to $1,350 on a mini-split heat pump, a heating and cooling source that does not require ductwork. To get started on the rebate or discount process in ComEd territory: Review the rebate application steps, purchase the appliance, and complete the application online or by email to Rebates@ComEd.com. You can also download and fill out the application. Instant coupons are also available at certain retailers. Download an instant in-store coupon and present it at checkout. For any questions, call 1-855-433-2700. For those in Ameren territory, check out these rebates: Buy an energy-efficient heat pump water heater and receive a $300 rebate. Replace your gas-powered clothes dryer with an electric dryer to receive a $50 rebate. Contact an Ameren Instant Incentives Program Ally Contractor to receive discounts on ducted air source heat pumps, ductless mini-split heat pumps and heat pump water heaters. Amounts may vary. To get started on the rebate or discount process in Ameren territory: View qualifying appliance models for electric dryers. Get an instant coupon to buy a heat pump water heater at qualifying retailers, or apply for an online rebate. For ducted air source heat pumps and ductless mini-split heat pumps, view the instant incentives fact sheet. For any questions, call 1-866-828-6918. About the author: Kate Shonk started at CUB in 2022. She serves as the main contact for grassroots outreach events and works to advocate for Illinois consumers. Kate graduated from the University of Michigan in 2020 with degrees in English and Political Science. Her favorite part about working for CUB is combining her passions for community organizing and environmental policy. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, writing, and […]

The post Electrifying news: Utilities offer home rebates, discounts for moving from gas to electricity appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

What is Electrification? A CUB Explainer

Elizabeth — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:56:24 +0000

What’s with all the buzz about electrification? CUB has a new “Better Heat” guide that explains this topic in-depth, but here’s a quick CUB explainer to help break it all down. What is electrification? Building electrification is the process of replacing fossil-fueled equipment like furnaces and natural gas stoves with their electric counterparts. Switching to electricity to run your home means that your energy can come from clean and more affordable sources like solar or wind, improve indoor air quality and help protect you from high gas costs. Why does CUB support it? CUB supports the transition to electrification because Illinoisians simply can’t afford not to. Gas is bad for our bottom lines: The volatile gas market subjects customers to recurring price spikes and high charges linked to aggressive utility spending. Currently, Illinois consumers face about $887 million in rate-hike requests by the state’s major gas utilities. These problems are felt statewide but seem to be most severe in Chicago, where about one in five customers are consistently one month or more behind on their gas bills. (Last month, we held a protest at the Peoples Gas Headquarters against their record $402 million rate-hike request.) Gas is bad for our health: There is mounting evidence that gas stoves pollute your home’s air. Sustainability think tank RMI linked the typical use of gas stoves to a 42 percent increase in rates of childhood asthma and additional health problems. Gas is bad for the planet: Heating with gas is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. RMI found that 10 states account for nearly 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings — and Illinois ranks third. Natural gas isn’t a sustainable option, either environmentally or financially, in the long run. It’s time for consumers to explore alternatives. How do we electrify? Electrification requires planning–this won’t happen overnight. But there are steps you can take now to get started. Complete your checklist of energy efficiency upgrades. CUB’s Clean Energy page has information on tips and programs to make your home more efficient. A home energy audit can help you make a checklist of improvements. Making your home as efficient as possible maximizes savings before you switch from gas. Plus, it’ll help when the time comes to purchase an electric heat pump (see below) to replace your gas heat: An energy-efficient home may require a smaller, less expensive pump. Manage your energy use. When you use energy is as important as how much you use. You can participate in “demand response” programs in which you can put off the bulk of your electricity usage to times when electricity demand is lower. By reducing peak electricity demand, these programs help make the power grid cleaner and more reliable, and they can help you save money. Consider using more renewable energy– you can do this by subscribing to a community solar offer or installing solar panels on your home. There has never been a better time to go solar. Once you’ve done these, consider switching from gas to electric appliances. Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient method to heat and cool your homes and […]

The post What is Electrification? A CUB Explainer appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

So what the heck is a green plan?

Jim Chilsen — Fri, 05 May 2017 11:42:51 +0000

At CUB we get a lot of calls from consumers who have questions about renewable energy plans that get pitched to them by alternative suppliers. These “green plans” are a legitimate choice, but some people have complained about exorbitant rates. If you’re shopping in the market, you should have all the facts. Generally, there is some confusion over what a “green” plan actually is. Signing up for green energy does NOT guarantee that energy from renewable sources—wind and solar farms—is being pumped into your home. There’s just no easy way to determine if the electricity you’re constantly consuming is coming from a wind turbine, a nuclear plant, a coal plant or any of the thousands of sources of power. Instead, signing up for a “green” offer means that you’re purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). So, for example, if you’re on a 100 percent renewable energy plan, it means that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you use, the same amount of renewable energy is being added somewhere on the grid—not necessarily to your microwave. Also, remember that a green plan doesn’t have to be 100 percent green. For example, if you signed up for a “50 percent green” plan and used 1,000 kWh of electricity in a month, you would claim the environmental benefits of adding 500 kWh of renewable electricity somewhere on the power grid. (Read CUB’s fact sheet on green plans.) If you’re considering such a plan, make sure you have full details on the pricing: How does the green plan compare to the utility’s rate? You’re likely to pay a premium for a green plan, but there’s a wide range of prices. CUB checks alternative supplier rates, including green plans, on a weekly basis. You can get that price list here. Is the price expected to change? Ask if the plan is a variable rate that could go up each month, and if the price you’re quoted is an introductory rate that will go up after a short period. Is there a monthly fee connected to the plan? That will inflate your advertised rate. Don’t forget that the regulated utilities have green power too. The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires Ameren and ComEd to supply a certain percentage of renewable energy (25 percent by 2025). RECs are purchased to help Illinois utilities comply with that law. Finally, don’t think you have to pay more for electricity with a green plan to do good for the environment. The best way to help the planet and your pocketbook is by reducing your electricity consumption (energy efficiency!) and/or moving your electricity demand to off-peak hours. Here are some optional programs to do that: Peak Time Savings (offered by ComEd) and Peak Time Rewards (offered by Ameren) are no-cost programs that allow people with new digital electric meters to get a bill credit for reducing their energy usage during certain summer days. By reducing power usage during peak hours (usually hot summer afternoons), consumers can get a financial benefit, and they help reduce the need to run expensive, high-polluting power plants. Hourly Pricing (ComEd) and Power Smart Pricing (Ameren) charge you an hourly rate for […]

The post So what the heck is a green plan? appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

Send a message now: Support community solar!

Jim Chilsen — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 01:03:55 +0000

CUB put out an emergency e-mail today to spark Illinoisans to send messages to Springfield in support of solar power. Last year, state regulators updated Illinois’ Community Solar Standard. The standard opens the door for entire neighborhoods to enjoy the money-saving benefits of solar energy—even families who can’t afford solar panels. However, a special state legislative committee still has to give final approval—and it’s scheduled to consider the solar standard tomorrow! Community solar can help make electricity more affordable and reliable for everyone. Please, tell Springfield:

The post Send a message now: Support community solar! appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

CUB/EDF propose an IL first: Community Solar

Jim Chilsen — Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:42:01 +0000

Power to the people, right on. -John Lennon Mr. Lennon would have appreciated the “community solar” proposal that CUB and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) have made before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The proposal would smash barriers that have kept families from enjoying the benefits of renewable energy. Imagine entire neighborhoods getting a break on their power bills–even families who don’t have solar panels. “Renewable energy is not an exclusive club—everyone should be able to enjoy its benefits,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “Our Community Solar proposal, in effect, is renewable energy for the masses, and that’s vital to making our electric bills lower and our power grid more stable.” Currently, Illinois homeowners with rooftop solar panels can receive compensation credits on their electric bills by sending excess renewable energy back to the power grid—a benefit called “net metering.” However, only about 300 northern Illinois customers participate because many people, particularly renters, lack the funding and space to install solar. We hope to change all that with our “community solar” plan. Here’s how it would work: A “host customer”—a home, business, school, for example—would recruit neighbors to invest money in a solar energy project of up to 2,000 kilowatts. The neighbors who invest would then share in electric bill credits generated when the solar panels produce power and give it back to the grid. The financial benefit the investors gain would be based on the level of their financial contribution. As CUB told the Chicago Tribune, you could conceivably have dozens of neighbors share in kilowatt-hour savings worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars. Although community solar would be an Illinois first, similar programs have been used successfully in California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Colorado and Vermont. In California, for example, the program has brought the benefits of renewable energy to more than 6,300 affordable housing units. EDF and CUB want to start out with a three-year pilot project in ComEd territory in 2016, basically to work out the kinks. But we hope the program would be expanded to all ComEd and Ameren customers by 2020. I believe somewhere Mr. Lennon is smiling…

The post CUB/EDF propose an IL first: Community Solar appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.

Coalition: Improved efficiency, renewable energy standards could spark 30,000 jobs a year

Jim Chilsen — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 18:16:23 +0000

For years, CUB has been saying that efficiency and renewable energy are good for our economy. Today, we’ve got numbers to back it up. At a news conference this morning, 55 business, environmental, labor and consumer advocacy leaders (including CUB Executive Director David Kolata) announced the formation of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition. The coalition’s main goal is to push state lawmakers to strengthen state standards for renewable energy and efficiency–a move advocates say would spark more than 30,000 new Illinois jobs each year. Standing with the coalition at the news conference, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel said the group’s diversity–from environmental to labor to business leaders–proves that going green is “a win-win for our environment and our economy.” The coalition wants stronger efficiency standards to reduce Illinois’ electricity load a whopping 20 percent by 2025. (That would represent a 50 percent increase in savings compared with current standards and trends.) It also wants 35 percent of the state’s power portfolio coming from renewable sources, like wind and solar, by 2030. (The current standard is 25 percent by 2025.) Citing a report by the Illinois Science and Technology Institute and data from the state, the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Natural Resources Defense Council, the coalition estimates the improved standards would lead to 32,381 jobs created in Illinois annually. Of those, 7,656 would be in the area of renewable energy; 25,764 connected to efficiency. The clean energy industry already is a job engine, employing 100,000 Illinoisans–more than the Land of Lincoln’s real estate and accounting sectors combined. Plus, the figure has been growing at a rate of 9-10 percent per year. “This unprecedented partnership between labor, industry and the environmental community will work together to build on the 100,000 clean energy jobs Illinois has already created,” said Jim Buchanan, Business Manager of Chicago Pipefitters Local 597. Today’s news conference, fittingly, was held at Testa Produce, a Chicago business that is home to the first freestanding wind turbine in Illinois.

The post Coalition: Improved efficiency, renewable energy standards could spark 30,000 jobs a year appeared first on Citizens Utility Board.