We seek to expand the use of Renewable/Clean Energy in Edgewater and Andersonville and help hasten the clean energy economy.
We promote and participate in activities such as:
Hosting neighborhood meetings and educational presentations on the benefits vs. cost of renewable energy: solar, wind, geothermal etc.
Working with private foundations and public entities to legally establish a pool of "buying power"
or circulating loan funds to assist owners in the purchase & installation of renewable energy systems.
Recruiting support of public officials, universities and industry to develop affordable, environmentally friendly renewable energy grids for homeowners and businesses
Why: Outdated policies governing electric utilities don’t fairly value clean energy, giving polluters free license to pollute.
How: Help overhaul obsolete rules that restrict the new energy market, while supporting and defending clean power plans. Plus, support public officials and private groups that are working to introduce policies that allow clean energy to flourish.
Ongoing Efforts to Support Renewable Energy Use Include:
Solar Community Loans for Edgewater: The Overhead Project Solar Development, LLC is an independent solar financing company that the Edgewater community can partner with. Homeowners looking to install solar power projects are encouraged to reach out to the project for information, installer contacts, and funding requests. For more information contact: seamus@overheadproject.org.
Green Business: We work with chambers, businesses and local universities to expand green business practices that include renewable energy.
Maintain database of renewable energy installations and as a Google Map: http://goo.gl/maps/NEHR6
This is a summary of Chicago energy resources, taking action, and getting help with energy issues.
Key Organizations
CUB represents Illinois utility ratepayers and advocates for cheaper, cleaner energy. It has a Clean Energy Hierarchy, ranked from most to least impactful:
1. Directly installing solar on your property;
2. Community solar
3. Green plans
Their updated (and free) Guide to Home Savings is filled with tips on how to cut your energy and telecom costs at home. Visit CUB's Solar in the Community page for more resources. Connect with CUB via their toll-free consumer hotline: 1-800-669-5556.
Home Energy Assessment: ComEd customers have opportunities to reduce energy usage with a FREE energy assessment that includes free and discounted products for your home. ComEd has partnered with your natural gas utility to bring electric and natural gas savings to you. Schedule your assessment today!
The Hourly Pricing program helps us be mindful of electricity usage by showing the benefits of shifting our usage to different times. To learn more and sign up, visit ComEd's Hourly Pricing Program.
The Peak Time Savings program sends you notifications when electricity usage is the dirtiest and most expensive. To learn more and sign up, visit Peak Time Savings.
The Central AC Cycling program reduces central air conditioning electricity usage when it is dirtiest and most expensive.
To learn more and sign up, visit Central AC Cycling. Customers who participate in Hourly Pricing can additionally participate in Peak Time Savings or Central AC Cycling; customers cannot participate in both Peak Time Savings and Central AC Cycling.
PIRG is a public interest advocacy group with both national and state chapters.
Take Action
To take action on energy legislation in Illinois, visit https://ilenviro.org/iec-action-alerts/ and The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition at https://ilcleanjobs.org/.
To learn and join the campaign to Democratize ComEd, visit https://demcomed.org/. With the democratization and municipalization of ComEd, an elected utility board could ensure programs such as these are more accessible, equitable, meaningful, and decarbonized future.
Get Help
Utility Assistance from Utility Companies:
Energy Assistance: Questions and Answers. Qualifying low-income households in Illinois can get help paying their energy costs.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, LIHEAP is designed to help eligible low-income households pay for winter energy service.
ComEd CARE Programs. ComEd’s programs provide financial assistance on electric bills for qualified customers.
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends. This Energy Assistance Foundation program provides year-round energy bill payment assistance and home weatherization to make harsh winters and hot summers bearable for families in need. Eligible households can receive up to $700 a year to help pay for energy costs ($350 during the heating season and $350 during the cooling season.)
Ameren Payment Assistance. Ameren Illinois offers several forms of financial assistance, including short-term, one-time payment extensions and fixed monthly payment agreements to settle past balances.
Democratize ComEd Resource Collection:
Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
ComEd’s “Helping Hands”
ComEd 1 time $500 grants
Shut off halt rules during COVID
Free Assessments:
Several utilities offer energy assessments in which experts will install water- and energy-efficient items, such as faucet aerators, light bulbs, and a low-flow showerhead, for free (Peoples Gas/ North Shore Gas, ComEd, Nicor Gas)