Welcome to your resource hub for residential energy efficiency and cost-saving opportunities. This page highlights programs offered by utilities and other partners to help households reduce energy use, lower bills, and explore renewable energy options.

To make it easy for municipalities and community organizations to share these opportunities with residents, the Caucus provides template communication materials for each program. These templates are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing outreach channels—whether newsletters, social media, or website.

Programs are organized into four categories for quick reference:

Utility Bill Assistance – Support for households managing energy costs.

Energy Efficiency Incentives – Solutions to improve home energy performance and reduce consumption.

Renewable Energy – Options to incorporate clean energy into residential living.

Demand Response Programs – Shift energy use to off-peak times to save money and reduce grid stress.

Explore the programs below and help your community access valuable resources for a more sustainable and affordable future.

Utility Bill Assistance

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps households with low incomes pay for home energy bills, especially heating during the winter months. If eligible, payments are made directly to the utility on behalf of the household. In the case of applicants whose heat is included in their rent, payment is made directly to the applicant.

Eligibility
Households with a combined gross income at or below the 60% state median income (based on the 30 days prior to application) may qualify. Renters may be eligible if heat and/or electricity is included in rent. Undocumented workers who meet income and other program requirements may also apply.

Application Period
From October 1, 2025 to August 15, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.

How to Apply
To apply for LIHEAP, residents may contact their local Community Action Agency (CAA), which is based on their county. Contacting the CAA directly is the fastest application method.  Another option is to submit a service request

Need Help?
For assistance, residents may contact their local Community Action Agency (CAA) or call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-833-711-0374

Communications materials:
Sample Newsletter Articles
Sample Social Media Posts
Sample Water Bill Messages
Sample Website Text

Low Income Discount Program (LID)

Low-income customers of gas and electric utilities in Illinois may receive a monthly discount of 5% to 83% on their utility bills. The goal of this program is to ensure that people don’t have to spend more than 3-6% of their monthly income on utility bills. The size of the discount depends on the utility and household income.

Eligibility
As of January 1, 2026, gas and electricity customers of ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas whose incomes are at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) are eligible.

How to Apply
Any household qualifying for LIHEAP on or after October 1, 2025, will automatically be enrolled in the low-income discount and started to receive the ComEd discount when it began on Jan. 1, 2026. Customers whose income is above the LIHEAP eligibility, but under 300% FPL, may apply directly on ComEd’s Low Income Discount (LID) Program website.

Need Help?
Additional information on Low Income Discount offered by other utilities can be found on the Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) Program fact sheet developed by the Citizens Utility Board and at the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies website Power Bill Discount.

Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP)

The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) helps income-eligible households lower their energy bills by improving home energy efficiency. Through this program, an energy assessor evaluates the home and uses a computerized energy audit program to identify the most cost-effective upgrades. IHWAP also provides many health and safety upgrades, ensuring safe and healthy homes. Approved contractors complete the work using IHWAP funds. The maximum amount per eligible household is $20,000 for energy-related weatherization and repair work, and $4,000 for health and safety related measures.

Services may include:

• Air sealing
• Attic and wall insulation
• HVAC repair or replacement
• Water heater repair or replacement
• Energy-efficient lighting and refrigerator replacement
• Ventilation and moisture control improvements
• Health and safety upgrades

Eligibility
Households with a combined annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

How to Apply
Residents can contact their local community action agency or administering agency based on the county.

Need Help?
Contact the Help Illinois Families call center at 1-833-711-0374 or: communityassist@illinois.gov

Communications materials (coming soon):
Sample Newsletter Article
Sample Social Media Posts
Sample Water Bill Messages
Sample Website Text
Sample Visual

Utility Financial Assistance Navigators

Gas and electric utility companies offer assistance programs to provide support when it’s needed most.

To help customers identify solutions tailored to their unique circumstances, ComEd offers the Smart Assistance Manager (SAM) Finder tool. This tool enables customers to apply for direct grants, manage monthly bill payments and past-due balances, and explore energy-efficient practices. After answering questions about income, household size, preferences, and other key factors, SAM provides personalized recommendations. From there, customers can review the options and choose to apply for the programs that best fit their needs.

Nicor Gas’ Community Assistance Navigator (CAN) offers assistance resources for its customers’ financial and energy-savings needs. CAN is Nicor Gas online portal where customers can find recommendations that best meet their needs. By answering a few anonymous questions, customers can learn about available assistance options and how to connect with them. For further assistance, the Community Connection Center can be reached at nicorgas.com/ccc or 888-642-6748.

Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program

The Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program provides financial assistance to income-eligible residential customers who are experiencing difficulty paying their natural gas bills. Through this program, eligible customers may receive an Energy Aide Grant of up to $250 per program year to help reduce their past-due balance. For balances less than $250, the total amount of the past-due balance will be paid.

Eligibility

• Household income must be at or below 350% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
• Customers who have previously received assistance through LIHEAP, PIPP, or Nicor Sharing are eligible to apply
• Residential customers who have a non-heat account may also apply
• An income eligibility chart is available on the Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program webpage

How to Apply
Customers must contact their local agency directly for application details and assistance.

Need Help?
Visit the Nicor Gas Energy Aide Program webpage to access the selected local area agencies.

Communications materials:
Sample Social Media Posts

Nicor Gas Shield of Caring Program

Shield of Caring is an emergency assistance program. It provides individuals and families in Nicor Gas’ service area with natural gas bill payment assistance and support for other basic needs, including housing, rental and grocery assistance. Customers may also apply to receive a discount on their bill through the Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program.

Shield of Caring is currently closed and will reopen Jan. 20, 2026.

Nicor Gas Sharing Program

The Nicor Gas Sharing Program provides one-time annual grants to residential customers who are experiencing financial hardship and do not qualify for state or federal energy assistance programs. The program is administered by The Salvation Army, which determines eligibility and processes applications. This program is funded through direct contributions from Nicor Gas’ customers and employees. Customers who receive Sharing Program benefits are automatically enrolled into the Nicor Gas Low-Income Discount Program.

Eligible customers can receive one grant between $150 and $400 per program year, based on the customer’s account balance. Grants are applied directly to the customer’s Nicor Gas account

Eligibility

• To be eligible, household income must be between 61% and 80% of the State Median Income (SMI), which is above LIHEAP eligibility, within the last 30 days when applying for this program.

• Customers applying for a senior or veteran grant with a household gross income up to 80% of the SMI may qualify for a maximum grant of $150.

How to Apply

Applications must be completed in person at a local Salvation Army office. Residents should call ahead to schedule an appointment and confirm required documentation.

Need Help?

For more information, visit the Nicor Gas Sharing Program webpage.

Communications materials:
Sample Social Media Posts
Income Guidelines

Peoples Gas Payment Arrangement and Energy Assistance

In times of financial hardship Peoples Gas offers flexible payment arrangement plans or energy assistance options to its customers. A payment arrangement helps eligible customers catch up on their bills over several months. The plan allows customers to pay a portion of their past-due balance while paying the current bill.

Eligibility
This assistance is offered to residential or small business customers with an active account not currently on a payment plan to pay off a past-due balance.

How to Apply
For fastest service, Peoples Gas offers self-service options to make payment arrangements. These self-service options offer the same terms as those provided by calling the support center. If calling is preferable, customers can call 866-556-6001.

Need Help?
Further information on available options can be found on the website: Peoples Gas Payment arrangements and energy assistance.

Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Virtual Utility Bill Clinics

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Virtual Utility Bill Clinics are designed to help residents reduce their energy costs through personalized guidance. Communities can partner with CUB to host virtual clinics where residents submit copies of their most recent utility bills for review. A CUB specialist analyzes the bills and identifies opportunities for savings, such as enrolling in energy efficiency programs or accessing financial assistance.

After the review, residents receive tailored recommendations via email, phone call, or video conference. These clinics provide a convenient, no-cost way for households to better understand their energy usage and take advantage of programs that can lower monthly bills. To set up a clinic, communities should email ubc@citizensutilityboard.org with details and encourage residents to participate.

For directions on how to submit your bills, watch this video. CUB offers free consultation for Illinois residents to help consumers save money on their utility bills: CUB’s Free Virtual Utility Bill Consultation.

Energy Efficiency Incentives

Home Energy Savings Program (HES)

ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, offer free home energy assessments to help residents identify opportunities to reduce energy usage and lower utility costs. With the assessment, residents will receive a custom report and free energy-saving products. The program serves both market-rate and income-eligible households. The assessment may be done in your home by an authorized energy advisor, and products may be installed at that time, or they may be mailed and installed by the resident. Income-eligible residents (those whose income is less than or equal to 80% Area Median Income) may be eligible for a retrofit and/or further assistance through their local Community Action Agency. The HES program continues to target marketing and outreach efforts toward income-eligible customers using inefficient electric resistance heat who may be eligible for a fully funded heat pump upgrade.

Eligibility
Single-family homes, two-flats, condominiums, townhomes and mobile homes are eligible for Home Energy Savings. Renters in eligible building types may participate with landlord permission.

Income-eligible customers may qualify for free in-home assessments as well as for weatherization improvements and retrofits. Non-income-eligible customers can complete an online self-assessment and receive free energy-saving products by mail.

Program Includes

• A free inspection to identify energy-saving opportunities
• A personalized energy assessment report
• Free energy-saving products, which may include:
  • ENERGY STAR® certified LED light bulbs
  • WaterSense® showerheads and faucet aerators
  • Hot water pipe insulation
  • Programmable and ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostats
  • Advanced power strips
  • Door sweeps
  • Additional energy-saving items

How to Apply
Visit eesavings.com/mmc or call 312-201-4507 to schedule an assessment.

Communications materials:
Sample Newsletter Articles
Sample Social Media Posts
Sample Water Bill Messages
Sample Website Text
Sample Image
Program Flyer – English
Program Flyer – Spanish

Multi-Family Energy Savings Program (MFES)

The ComEd Multi-Family Energy Savings (MFES) Program is delivered in partnership with Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas and provides a comprehensive suite of energy efficiency services for multi-family properties (3+ units), including tenant units and common areas. This program is available in three categories: Income Eligible, Public Housing, and Market Rate. It offers property owners and managers access to gas and electric efficiency upgrades designed to reduce operating costs, improve tenant comfort, and enhance property value. Tenants benefit from lower energy bills and improved living conditions.

Improvements
The program offers a free energy assessment of the property, installation of free or discounted energy-saving products in tenant units and common areas, and incentives for larger projects. Energy-saving products and services may include:

• LEDs and TLED lighting
• Programmable or ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostats
• Exterior and garage LEDs
• WaterSense® certified showerheads and faucet aerators
• LED exit signs
• Weatherization improvements, including air sealing and insulation
• Larger improvements may include boiler upgrades, steam trap testing, repair and replacement, variable speed drive motor upgrades, select appliances and other HVAC improvements.

Installations are completed by participating contractors. For electrification projects, building owners are directed to ComEd’s Whole Home Electric for eligibility consideration.

How to Apply
For more information or to enroll, visit the Multi-Family Energy Savings portal or contact 855-433-2700 to speak to a program representative.

ComEd Whole Home Electric

Whole Home Electric is a comprehensive offering that helps income-eligible single-family and multi-family homes and buildings use highly efficient technologies by replacing fossil fuel appliances and heating and cooling systems with electric appliances and systems. After initial eligibility is confirmed, each customer receives an assessment to identify energy-saving opportunities and determine if their home or building is a good fit for electrification upgrades.

Improvements
While upgrades may differ based on home or building type, common improvements include:

• Air source heat pumps
• Heat pump water heaters
• Electric cooking appliances
• Electric clothes dryers

In certain cases, customers may also receive weatherization upgrades if their home or building has not been previously weatherized. There is no cost for single-family customers to participate. Public housing and income-eligible multi-family building owners (not tenants) may have a co-pay for certain measures. Prior to proceeding with a project, the program assesses the energy bill impacts to ensure the upgrades will result in overall savings to the customer.  A qualified Energy Efficiency Service Provider (EESP) will install the electric improvements.

Eligibility

• ComEd customers living in single-family homes must meet additional criteria, including total household income must be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI).
• Public Housing Authorities and owners of multi-family buildings (3 units or more) located in an income-eligible census tract based on density of population with household incomes at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) may be eligible. If properties are not in an income-eligible census tract, they may qualify through secondary qualification criteria.

How to Apply
For more information, contact ComEd at 855-433-2700. After completing the screening process, ComEd will schedule a home assessment.

ComEd Free Energy Saving Kits  

ComEd partners with Community Action Agencies and the gas utilities to supply income-eligible customers with free energy-saving kits. This free kit contains a variety of energy-saving products that can make a home more energy efficient – and most importantly, help lower energy bills. Kits are free for qualifying customers and can be shipped directly to their home.

Energy saving kits may include items such as:

• High-efficiency faucet aerators
• LED night lights
• Hot water pipe insulation
• Weatherstripping
• High-efficiency showerhead
• Door sweep
• Window insulation kit
• Rope caulk
• Smart plugs/smart sockets

Eligibility

• A valid utility account number for both ComEd and/or the gas utility is required.
• The annual household income must fall within the eligibility limits for LIHEAP (combined gross income at or below the 60% state median income).
• The same resident must not have received a kit in the past three years.

How to Apply
Residents may visit ComEd Free Energy Saving Kits webpage to find participating Community Action Agencies and to learn how to enroll.

Need Help?
If you need directions on how to install the products, ComEd offers product installation videos at: https://www.energysavingkits.org/ For further questions, contact ComEd’s dedicated call center at 855-433-2700.

Free Energy-Saving Products at Food Pantries

ComEd provides free energy-saving products to local food pantries for distribution within their communities. These products are offered to qualifying community members at these pantries completely free of charge. Over 700 pantries are eligible to distribute these products. The energy-saving products distributed through local food banks have the potential to save residents money on energy bills each month. They also help lower a household’s carbon footprint through decreasing the need for energy.

Products that may be available at a local food pantry:

• LED night lights
• Weatherstripping
• Door sweep
• Hot water pipe insulation
• Smart plugs/smart sockets
• Rope caulk
• And more – Check with your local pantry for details.

Eligibility
Eligibility for free energy-saving products follows the eligibility criteria for each participating food pantry. Please contact your neighborhood pantry directly for specific details on eligibility.

How to Apply
Visit the ComEd Free Energy-Saving Products at Food Pantries webpage to search for a participating food pantry.

Need Help?
Contact ComEd’s dedicated call center at 855-433-2700.

Nicor Gas Free Water-Saving and Weatherization Kits

Nicor Gas offers free energy-saving kits to help residential customers improve home efficiency, reduce utility costs, and conserve resources. Customers may request a water-saving kit or a weatherization kit by ordering online. These kits are designed to help residents reduce water and energy waste, improve indoor comfort, and lower monthly utility bills.

The free water-saving kit includes:

• One or two high-efficiency showerheads
• One or two bathroom faucet aerators
• One dual-spray kitchen faucet aerator
• A shower timer
• Plumber’s tape

The free weatherization kit includes:

• 12-pack of outlet and switch foam gaskets
• 17′ roll of closed-cell foam tape weatherstripping
• 17′ roll of V-seal type weatherstripping
• Self-adhesive door sweep
• 30′ roll of rope caulk

How to Apply
Visit the Nicor Gas Free Products and Services webpage to request the kits.

Need Help?
Contact Nicor Gas at 877-886-4239 for assistance.

Communications materials:
Sample Social Media Posts
Sample Water Bill Messages
Sample Website Text
Sample Images

ComEd Appliance Rebates and Discounts  

The ComEd ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebates and Discounts Program provides financial incentives to residential customers who purchase qualifying energy-efficient appliances. ENERGY STAR certified products meet rigorous energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, helping families reduce energy consumption, utility costs, and greenhouse gas emissions without compromising performance.

Eligibility

• Current ComEd residential delivery service customer.
• Appliance must be certified ENERGY STAR.
• Appliances must be new and purchased in Illinois. Appliances can be found and compared at ComEd Efficient Choice webpage.
• Appliances must be purchased by December 31, 2026.
• See other requirements at Find Savings on Appliances and Home Products

Application Deadline
Rebate applications must be submitted within 60 days of purchase or by February 28, 2027, whichever comes first.

Eligible Appliances and Rebate/Discount Amount

Residents can receive a $50 rebate when purchasing an ENERGY STAR air purifier.

* ≥ 4.4 Cubic Feet. Gas dryers do not qualify.
** Caulking, door sweep/seals, spray foam insulation, weatherstripping

How to Apply
Eligible customers may access these discounts via the following channels:

• Online rebate application
• Mail-in rebate (The 2026 application will be posted on the ComEd website soon.)
• Instant coupons available at select retailers. An instant in-store coupon can be downloaded by selecting the “Instant Coupon” link to see which appliances are eligible. The coupon can be redeemed at checkout.
• In-store discount at a participating retail location

Need Help?
Contact ComEd at 855-530-5783 or via email at Rebates@ComEd.com.

Communications materials:
Sample Images and Video
Flyer on ENERGY STAR clothes washers and dryer
Sample Social Media Images for smart thermostats
Flyer on ENERGY STAR smart thermostats

Renewable Energy

The CS² program gives residents the option to support community solar developments in northern Illinois, such as this project in Cortland, Illinois.

Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program (CS² Program)

One way to help your residents and small businesses save money on their electric bills is through our Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS²) Program. The CS² program gives residents the option to support community solar developments in northern Illinois. By subscribing, residents and small businesses are guaranteed 10% savings of the community solar credits they receive on their bill. Participants can support solar power without installing their own rooftop panels. The Caucus’ program does not require any actions on behalf of all residents, and the CS² program is compatible with existing aggregation programs.