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A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Village of Oak Park Climate Ready Energy Rebate Program Guidelines
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Introduction
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This is a Resolution approving and adopting the Climate Ready Energy Rebate program guidelines.
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Recommended Action
Approve the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• On January 27, 2026, the Village Board provided input to staff on the Energy Grants, including directing staff to create new programs, including rebates.
• The Village Board approved $750,000 in the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget for the Energy Grants.
• The Village Board approved the 2025 Energy Grant Guidelines at the January 14, 2025 Board Meeting.
Background
The Climate Ready Oak Park Plan commits the Village to reducing Greenhouse Gas emissions by 60% by 2030. Residential properties represent 38.8% of total community-wide emissions in 2022. The Village’s Climate Ready Energy Grants have been providing residents with monetary assistance to make energy efficiency upgrades.
This resolution aligns with CROP actions EN03 and BD03.In FY2026, the Sustainability budget included $750,000 allocated towards the Climate Ready Energy Grants. In January, the Village Board approved new grant guidelines and approved a new revolving loan program. In addition, the Village Board directed staff to create an appliance rebate program.
Eligible costs under the Energy Grant and Loan program include improvements that are considered upgrades to the property. Village Staff has heard from the community that there is an interest in additional incentives for electric appliances that are not currently eligible expenses. Appliances like dryers and stoves are both less expensive than costs covered under the grants, and are not considered permanent improvements to the property. For this reason, a rebate, rather than a grant, is a more appropriate incentive structure. Additionally, members of the community are interested in a new technology - saddle-style window heat pumps - which do not currently have incentives through ComEd.
Staff is recommending the following rebates:
|
Appliance |
ComEd rebate amount |
Village Rebate amount |
|
Heat Pump Clothes Dryer |
$200 |
$300 |
|
Induction Cooktop and Ranges |
$100 |
$400 |
|
Saddle-Style Window Heat Pump |
$0 |
$500 |
By structuring the rebates in this manner, a property owner has access to a total of $500 per appliance between the ComEd and Village rebates. In 2025, ComEd issued 9 rebates for dryers and 5 rebates for induction cooktops to Oak Park residents.
Cloth dryers and stoves are common gas appliances found in Oak Park homes. To fully electrify a home, these appliances are essential components. Stoves, in particular, degrade indoor air quality, and switching from gas to electric induction stoves can improve respiratory health in the community. Converting from gas dryers and stoves may require upgrades to a household's electric panel and wiring. Those electrical upgrades are eligible costs for the Village’s Energy Grant and Energy Loan programs.
The saddle-style window heat pump is a new technology that was developed for the New York Public Housing Authority. These heat pumps are being piloted in New York, Boston, and other cities to fully transition multifamily buildings from a central gas system. The Village is creating this rebate in partnership with the Oak Park Climate Action Network, who are organizing a group purchase to pilot these units in Oak Park homes. In addition to the application in multifamily properties, these units can be an efficient method to condition air in individual rooms or serve as an interim option to reduce the use of a gas heating system before a full replacement.
A total of $20,000 are allocated in 2026 for this pilot rebate program. Based on ComEd’s 2025 numbers, staff anticipates this funding level will be more than sufficient to support demand in the initial year.
Timing Considerations
Funds are allocated for FY2026. Approving rebate guidelines in early 2026 will allow more time to advertise and award rebates.
Financial Impact
The grants will utilize the funding allocated for the Climate Ready Grant program. Funds are allocated in GL#2310.41020.101.570668.0000. Staff anticipates utilizing no more than $20,000 in 2026.
Operations Impact
Staff from the Office of Sustainability will utilize no more than 60 hours in 2026 creating and administering the rebate program. Staff from Finance will assist with issuing payments as part of their core service delivery.
DEI Impact
There is no DEI impact associated with this item.
Community Input
The rebates were created based on community feedback on eligible costs missing from the Grant and Loan program. OPCAN was influential in advocating for a rebate on window heat pumps.
The Environment & Energy Commission reviewed the rebate program at their January 13 meeting.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution
Advantages:
• This action creates new incentives for electric appliances.
Disadvantages:
• The rebate program utilizes funding that could otherwise be allocated to grants or loans.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board can elect not to adopt the Resolution.
Advantages:
• No administrative changes will be needed.
Disadvantages:
• Residents will not have access to additional incentives for these appliances.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Lindsey Roland-Nieratka, Chief Sustainability Office
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution - Energy Rebate
2. Climate Ready Energy Rebate Guidelines 2026