Submitted By
Tammie Grossman, Director, Development Customer Services
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Adopting the Village of Oak Park Energy Efficiency Grant Program Guidelines as Reviewed at the Energy and Environment Commission Meeting on February 4, 2020
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Overview
Overview
At the November 18, 2019 Regular Meeting, the Village Board referred review of this program to the Environment and Energy Commission. On February 4, 2020, the Environment and Energy Commission unanimously recommended to move forward with the program for one year, after which the program would be evaluated for effectiveness. This program was originally directed for creation at the June 24, 2019 Village Board meeting to support low-income households.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Resolution
Fiscal Impact
The FY20 Sustainability Fund has $220,000 for this program which will together with the existing Village of Oak Park single-family rehabilitation loan and grant as described below.
Background
The program guidelines were modeled after a successful energy efficiency grant program that the Village participated in with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning as part of President Obama’s federal stimulus program in 2010. Applicants of the Village’s single family and small rental rehab grant programs were able to apply for additional funds to improve energy efficiency. The single family and small rental rehab programs are designed to help owners rehab their homes to improve safety and insure basic liveabilty standards. Energy efficiency improvements are often not able to be funded. Simple efficiciency enhancements can improve occupant comfort and reduce energy costs. As an example, newer LED lights use about 75 percent less energy and last 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Heating and cooling upgrades improve and reduce energy costs while providing more efficient temperature control, all while utilizing less energy.
The proposed energy efficiency guidelines will allow owner applicant(s) to apply for up to $10,000, for purposes of energy upgrades that increase building energy efficiency, reduce energy use and create savings by adding any or all of the following weatherization, cooling and heating, direct installs and efficient lighting measures: 1.) The installation of attic, pipe and wall insulation; 2.) The installation of energy-saving efficient lighting, including automatic light sensors or timed light sensors; 3.) The installation or upgrade of heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) and high-efficiency shower/faucet upgrades, including ENERGY STAR programmable and smart thermostat upgrades; 4.) The installation of an upgraded ENERGY STAR energy efficient water heater; 5.) The installation of air and duct sealing; 6.) The purchase and installation of ENERGY STAR appliances; and/or 7.) The installation of solar panels.
Alternatives
Direct staff to further refine the proposed guidelines.
Previous Board Action
On June 24, 2019, the Board directed staff to proceed with developing guidelines for an energy efficiency program using the sustainability funds. On November 18, 2019 the Resolution was tabled and referred to the Enviornment and Energy Commission for review.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The Environment and Energy Commission met on February 4, 2020 and unanimously approved moving forward with recommendation to approve the income eligible energy efficiency grant program for one year, after which the program would be evaluated for effectiveness based on annual measurement and reporting.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
NA
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
NA