The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expanding the eligibility for two energy efficiency grant applications. The Energy Efficiency Assessment Program and the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Program will now accept applications across the state from those receiving housing assistance in single-family residential and multifamily properties with up to 20 units.
Both grants aim to serve residents collecting assistance through local, state and federal programs, including public housing authorities, local government units and non-profit organizations.
The grants work together, with the Energy Efficiency Assessment Program giving funds for properties to conduct a professional energy assessment and the Energy Efficiency Trust Fund Program funding projects that were identified within the assessment.
This funding will allow for projects including window replacements and more energy-efficient appliances. Illinois EPA Energy Projects Coordinator Rebecca Luke said these upgrades will help target environmental justice concerns, eventually saving money and promoting residents' comfort.
“I think that a lot of public service organizations are struggling to do maintenance and up-keep on their infrastructure," Luke said. "This program is really targeted at those organizations to equip them to kind of deal with rising utility prices and frankly build in building resiliency."
The grant recipients are chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis, and awards are given out as long as funds are available.
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