NEW CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVE REVIEW: PUBLIC SECTOR

Eligibility

The program is targeted to Public Sector customers in ComEd and Ameren Illinois Utilities service territory, including units of local government, K-12 school districts, community colleges, public universities and state buildings. Project must be new construction or major renovation. To be eligible, renovations must involve a change in occupancy classification or affect at least two or more of these three systems: building envelope, HVAC systems or lighting systems. Eligibility is limited to new construction projects or additions and renovations that exceed 15,000 square feet that produce electrical and or natural gas savings through efficiency improvements in buildings, equipment, or process. For more eligibility information, refer to the Illinois Energy Now - Public Sector New Construction Program Application and Guidelines 2011-12.

Process

On behalf of DCEO, SEDAC reviews New Construction projects for incentive eligibility and program compliance. 

Project Planning and Concept Phase: We are ready to help! Contact the SEDAC New Construction team as early in the design process as possible if you have questions regarding eligibility, how to apply, or specific energy efficiency design strategies or technologies. The team can offer analysis and technical assistance that can enable you to achieve higher performance and reduce operating costs for the owner and/or tenant.

Construction Documents Completed: Once project contract documents (drawings and specifications) are complete, teams will be required to submit the following documents for review. The required documentation may include, but is not limited to, project drawings, specifications, and energy modeling input/output, which verify the designed beyond-code energy savings. The applicant must provide program staff with requested information necessary to verify potential savings.

Incentives

The Base Incentives will be set based on how far beyond the Illinois Energy Conservation Code for Commercial Buildings (IL ECC) that the building or the building components will be constructed. This is to encourage applicants to design the building to achieve the greatest level of energy efficiency. DCEO reserves the right to negotiate different incentive levels if the applicant is under rules that already require beyond code achievement.

Base Incentive Rate: The Base Incentive rate for the New Construction Program will be $0.08 per kWh saved and $.80 per therm saved.

LEED or Design Bonus: Buildings seeking LEED Silver, Gold or Platinum shall be eligible for Design Bonus based on percentage of beyond code energy cost savings. Maximum bonus can not exceed $50,000.

Maximum Grant Award: limited to $2.50/square foot (Base plus Bonus Incentive).

Maximum Incentive.  DCEO may provide up to, but not more than, a maximum incentive of $300,000. A single award may exceed $300,000 if the application includes multiple project locations.