Energy

Though Northbrook’s Climate Action Program (CAP), the village is committed to promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency resources through education on strategies, resources, benefits, financing, incentives and rebate opportunities.

Energy Efficiency

Under Illinois law, the utilities’ efficiency programs are required to meet cost-effectiveness requirements, meaning their overall money- and energy-saving benefits must outweigh the small “energy efficiency” charges that fund them on our bills. Utilities face fines if they can’t meet annual goals approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Some energy sources to consider for your home to be more energy efficient can be geothermal or solar. Geothermal systems use the stable temperature underground to heat and cool your home year-round. They are highly efficient, long-lasting, and can significantly reduce energy bills. To learn more about geothermal energy.

Another energy source to consider can be solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, allowing you to power your home with clean, renewable energy. They can reduce your reliance on the grid, lower utility costs, and even generate credits through net metering if you produce excess electricity. 

Prioritizing energy efficiency is important for both environmental sustainability and economic prosperity. This not only saves money for households, businesses, and industries but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. 

Ways to be more energy efficient at home

  • Air-Sourced Heat Pumps pull heat out of your home in the summer and pulls heat into your home in the winter. They are installed on the outside of your home and can be installed with or without air ducts. EnergyStar has incentive programs to encourage the installation of heat pumps. For additional information about heat pumps see this flyer.
  • Smart Thermostats are connected to Wi-Fi and can be remote set through your devices. They can help save around 20 percent in heating and cooling costs. There are rebate options through being a customer with ComEd or Ameren. 
  • Northbrook Public library has a Kill A Watt reader to help you find what appliances are worth keeping plug in. The reader available for you to check out from the Multi-Media desk. 
  • Utility Energy Assessment Program: Energy assessments help to determine how much energy your home uses and highlights areas where residents can make improvements to save energy and money.
    • ComEd provides its customers single and multi-home energy assessments for free. Along with some free and discounted energy saving products and rebates on energy efficient products.
    • Nicor provides its customers with free energy assessments for homeowners and renters. Along with free weatherization kits and discounted products. 
    • Citizens for Utility Board CUB: Provides multiple resources for energy efficiency with information on how to save energy and programs to get involved in.