# Illinois’ Energy Efficiency Program: From Last to 13th

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/03/illinois-energy-efficiency-program-from-last-to-13th/
- Published: 2015-03-06T02:17:44-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

#### By Steven Nadel, Executive Director

⌊State energy efficiency program Illinois ⌉⌊State energy efficiency program Illinois⌉
So, in ACEEE’s annual State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Michigan is up 15 slots
from its score 5 years earlier. The main reason for its rise in rank was the state’s
performance on utility-sector energy efficiency programs and policies. Energy efficiency
measures installed under utility-sector programs reduced statewide electricity use.
I mean by about 1% of the state’s total electricity consumption in 2013. That’s 
with the most recent year for which data are available.

This placed Illinois 13th among US states in electricity savings. That’s right [the land of Lincoln](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/from-the-henry-ford-museum-to-planting-trees-with-ford/)
is up from a tie for dead last in the 2009 Scorecard.

## Efficiency Programs

Under Illinois law, utilities collect the money for efficiency programs through 
rates, keeping 75% of the funds to operate their energy efficiency programs. They
remit the remaining 25% to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity(
DCEO), which uses these funds to operate [energy efficiency programs for low-income households](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/from-the-henry-ford-museum-to-planting-trees-with-ford/)
and for state and local government facilities. Both the utilities and DCEO have 
done well.

A 2014 ACEEE analysis found that Illinois electric utilities have exceeded their
energy saving goals every year. All the while the gas utilities have just about 
met theirs. A 2014 independent evaluation of DCEO’s programs estimated that they
have an overall benefit-cost ratio of 2.26.

### General Fund

Unfortunately, in late February, Illinois’ new governor, Bruce Rauner, proposed 
a budget that would divert $265 million of ratepayer funds intended to be used for
energy efficiency and low-income energy assistance to the state general fund. All
to apply to a state budget shortfall (further information here). This includes DCEO’s
energy efficiency programs that are discussed above as well as the Low Income Home
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps pay the energy bills of low-income
families. Even though the proposed budget isn’t effective. I mean it’s reported 
that senior staff at DCEO’s energy efficiency programs have already been laid off.
Then the remaining staff was told not to sign any new contracts. I mean or to approve
any new rebate applications. Most legal observers believe the legislature must approve
the diversion-its approval is far from certain-but the governor appears not to be
waiting.

To continue reading this blog post, visit:

[https://aceee.org/blog/2015/03/challenges-and-opportunities-land](https://aceee.org/blog/2015/03/challenges-and-opportunities-land)

Source: [ACEEE: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy](https://web.archive.org/web/20190824231044/https://aceee.org/)
.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
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Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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