Energy conservation and efficiency is a high priority for public agencies in the region, as well as for the homes and business within their jurisdictions. Since 2009, Illinois municipalities also became influential consumers of electricity. The Caucus works to support energy conservation and renewable power in a number of ways.
Municipal Aggregation was authorized by Section 1-92 of the Illinois Power Agency Act. This means a municipality or county can negotiate for the purchase of the combined electric supply of its residents and eligible small businesses. In our region, 63 Illinois municipalities sought renewable energy in their aggregation contracts and at least 29 of those opted for 100% renewable energy, procured through renewable energy credits. Illinois leads the country in renewable energy procurement through aggregation, with 15% of all communities choosing some renewable energy.
Energy Efficiency
The Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard sets ambitious energy savings goals for Illinois. Utility ratepayers contribute to programs that must reduce energy consumption by 2% by 2015 and every year following. The Mayors Caucus collaborates with the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity, Illinois Energy Now program and gas and electric utilities to reach this goal. Since 2011, the Caucus has awarded $3.5million to 94 public agencies in 75 communities saving some 12,063,000 kWh of electricity and 589,000 therms of natural gas as part of its Public Sector Energy Efficiency Program. These investments in energy efficiency are recovered through energy cost savings in an average of 3.5 years. It has also resulted in 27,338,000 avoided carbon dioxide emissions to date.
The Caucus also partnered with the Illinois Association of Regional Councils to award $2.5 million to 23 municipal and 1 county from federal Energy Efficiency Community Development Block Grants to retrofit public buildings for energy efficiency.
Renewable Energy
Illinois is becoming more favorable for solar energy development. The Caucus is working with the Illinois Association of Wastewater Agencies and the Illinois Chapter of the Central States Water Environment Association to lead a number of public wastewater agencies to develop potential solar projects in 2016 using a power purchase agreement model.
Community solar allows multiple participants to use a common solar array. It is being advanced in the region by Cook County and Elevate Energy .
The Illinois Department of Commerce has offered rebates for renewable energy installations for homes, businesses and public agencies.