Advanced Energy United applauds the Illinois House for passing House Bill 3650 to help homeowners, renters, and building owners lower their energy bills and make improvements to their properties. 

Illinoisans will benefit greatly from the bill, which would create a State Navigator Program to link them with already-available programs that could lower the cost of their utility bills or reduce the price of making energy efficiency improvements to their properties.  

A State Navigator Program is a “one-stop shop” for homeowners, renters, and building owners who want to access bill assistance or who want to adopt more energy efficient measures, including weatherization, high-performing electric appliances, or renewable energy technologies. This bill will streamline the eligibility and application processes for residents in Illinois, helping consumers identify ways to lower their bills and helping the state make better use of funding it’s already received.   

Illinois received federal funds through the Carbon Pollution Reduction Grant to create a “Clean Building Navigator Consumer Outreach Program,” or a “navigator program.” The funds are set to last through 2030, but HB3650 ensures the program will continue past that date.   

“This program will help Illinois customers navigate the often confusing and tedious process of identifying sources that can help with utility bills or help consumers purchase renewable and more efficient technologies,” said Samarth Medakkar, Advanced Energy United’s Illinois policy lead. “This will help people know what they are eligible for and which incentives they can combine to make the greatest use of programs available to them. The bill wouldn't have been possible without the leadership of the sponsor, Rep Camille Y. Lilly." 

“The state already has programs in place that help residents install efficient heat pumps, weatherization measures, and solar panels, resulting in lower energy bills for residents,” Samarth added. “We should ensure people who are eligible for these programs are aware and can easily access them.” 

The State Navigator Program would be run by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.