programs for homeowners
As a homeowner there are many programs in Oak Park that can help you invest in your home and save money on utilities, reduce housing emissions, and help fight climate change!
Read below to see the programs that you are eligible for.
Step 1:
energy assessment
Your energy journey starts here
A professional assessment identifies the most effective and affordable ways to save energy and money. Local utility companies are offering the Home Energy Savings Program (external link). Anyone can receive a free basic visual assessment of their home through the program.
You may be eligible for a free energy efficiency home improvement , including a detailed energy efficiency technical assessment of your home. Call ComEd at 855-433-2700 to determine if you qualify.
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Step 2: Community solar
Save money & use clean energy - no solar panels needed
If you use electricity, you can sign up for community solar. This is a great way to save money and support clean energy - without the expense of installing solar panels at home. ​Your subscription will help solar farms generate clean, reliable solar power.
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Illinois Solar For All is the best, most cost-effective way for you to go solar or subscribe to a community solar project. Learn more here (link is external).
Step 3: weatherization
Airtight homes for maximum savings
Up to 20% of a home's heating and cooling energy is lost due to poor insulation. Weatherization involves stopping air leaks around doors, windows and ventilation systems and using insulation to make homes safer, more comfortable, and more energy efficient - saving you money. Every dollar spent on weatherization saves almost three dollars on energy bills.
You may be eligible to receive free weatherization services through CEDA (external link). You may also be eligible for free weatherization services through ComEd's Home Energy Savings Program (external link).
Step 4:
energy efficiency
Use high-performing equipment to save money over the long-term
Energy efficient appliances and equipment lower the amount of energy that your home uses on a daily basis. It's an upfront investment that saves you money on every energy bill.
Local utility companies have partnered to offer the free Home Energy Savings Program (external link). Qualified homeowners can receive free energy efficiency home improvement services. Call ComEd at 855-433-2700 to determine if you qualify.
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The Village of Oak Park offers weatherization and energy efficiency grants of up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners. Funding is limited, and grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To apply for an Oak Park Energy Grant, contact the Development Customer Services Department's Neighborhood Services Division at 708-358-5410.
Utility bill assistance
Energy Assistance to help your family
For assistance with your energy bills, apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a grant for income-qualified households. Applications are accepted on an annual deadline or until funds are exhausted.
​​​Applying is a good idea, because if your household qualifies for LIHEAP, you may be eligible for other assistance. LIHEAP is available to all income-qualified residents, including undocumented and mixed-status families.
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You can also receive assistance with your drinking water and sewer bills, through the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIWHAP). LIWHAP funding can help restore services for disconnected accounts, prevent disconnections for past due accounts, and reduce rates for current accounts.
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Other energy assistance and savings programs include:
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Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) and other State programs (external link)
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ComEd Budget Billing (external link)
Call 708-383-8060 to make an appointment with an Oak Park Township counselor to learn more.
Rooftop Solar
A long-term investment to become more resilient to climate change
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Rooftop solar and other improvements can make your home more resilient to extreme weather. Installing clean energy at your home also helps the whole community take action on climate change.
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The Cook County Sun and Save program installs solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at no cost for income-qualified residences and homeowners in Cook County.
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Learn about your home's solar potential and financing options through Project Sunroof (external link).
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Solar Switch Chicagoland is a program that will save you money on a rooftop solar power system. (external link).
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Illinois Solar For All is the best, most cost-effective way for you to go solar or subscribe to a community solar project. Learn more here (external link).
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Illinois Shines is a State program that supports residents who would like to install solar at their home. Learn more here (external link).
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Federal tax credits may also be available. Learn more here (external link).
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Note: The Village of Oak Park does not endorse or promote individual contractors.