Energy Audit and Rebate Program
On May 12th, 2026, the Kane County Board approved Resolution 26-452, creating the Energy Audit & Rebate Program. This program allocates $100,000 from the Electric Aggregation Fund to help 30 unincorporated Kane residents to lower utility bills and reduce energy use through home energy audits and rebates.
This program offers two pathways:
-
Standard: 18 households will receive a home energy audit and a rebate up to
$880 to make energy efficiency improvements on their home. Any household above 80% Area Median Income (AMI) can apply for this pathway.
-
Low-Income: 12 households with an income below 80% of the
Area Median Income (AMI) will receive a home energy audit and a rebate up to
$2,000 to make energy efficiency improvements on their home.
*Application*
The application period opens
September 1st with the deadline for completed applications on
September 30th. Applicants will receive an email indicating whether they have been accepted or denied. Applicants that are denied will automatically be put on a waiting list.
*Eligibility Requirements*
1. Proof of Residence in Unincorporated Kane County
- IL Driver's License
- Utility Bill (Dated within 90 days of submitting your application)
- Voter Registration Card
Note: You must own the residence where the energy audit will occur. If you you do not own the property, you may invite your landlord to apply on your behalf.
2. Proof of Income
Applicants must provide information from Line 9 from their 2025, 1040 form if they are applying for the Low-Income rebate. Your annual income will be compared to the program's Area Median Income Limits to determine if you qualify.
Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area
|
| Area Median Income Limits 2026 |
| Household Size | 80% (Low Income)
| 90% | 100%
|
| 1 | $68,050 | $76,590 | $85,100 |
| 2 | $77,800 | $87,480 | $97,200 |
| 3 | $87,500 | $98,460 | $109,400 |
| 4 | $97,200 | $109,350 | $121,500 |
| 5 | $105,000 | $118,170 | $131,500 |
| 6 | $112,800 | $126,900 | $141,000 |
| 7 | $120,550 | $135,640 | $150,700 |
| 8 | $128,350 | $144,360 | $160,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is a home energy audit?
A home energy audit is when a trained professional inspects a home to understand its current condition as well as identify any safety concerns. In addition, a series of tests are completed to learn about the home's energy performance before providing the homeowner with a written report that recommends a series of changes to improve the home's energy usage.
2. What is weatherization?
Weatherization refers to the modification of a building's interior to protect against the outdoor elements such as moisture and temperature changes depending on the season.
Weatherization has several benefits such as:
- Lessening unwanted temperature changes depending on the season. This helps you feel more comfortable in your home year-round.
- Lessens the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home, reducing your energy bills.
- Improves your indoor air quality.
3. Where does funding for the Energy Audit and Rebate Program come from?
Funding for the Energy Audit and Rebate Program (EARP) comes from the Electric Aggregation Fund (fund 421). Kane County voters approved a referendum in 2014, affirming Kane County's authority to arrange for the supply of electricity (Ordinance No. 13-344). Civic contributions received as part of this program go directly to residents for energy efficiency and other measures to reduce their monthly bills.
4. How do I apply?
Click on the following weblink or the apply button above.
There you will be taken to a webpage run by this program's auditor, Sustained Ability Construction. Fill out the application and you can expect to hear if you've been approved or rejected for the program by October 16th.
5. I just got approved for the program, why do I need to fill out a vendor form?
To receive a rebate on the weatherization improvements made to the home, an approved participant must submit a form to become a qualified vendor. Participants must provide a W-9, a social security number, address, phone number, and bank account information in the form of a voided check, bank letter (typed and provided by the bank), or an ACH Direct Deposit Form (provided by the bank).
Once the waiver is completed, You will be sent an email to begin the vendor form process. You will be asked to submit sensitive financial information such as your social security number and bank account information to the vendor form, allowing county staff to disperse your rebate check ($880 or $2000) at the end of the program. You will work directly with Kane County staff to complete this task. If you have questions about the vendor form process or how county staff can help, please contact the county representative overseeing this program, Dr. Sarra Hinshaw at hinshawsarra@kanecountyil.gov.
6. How long does it take to process the vendor form?
Depending on the workload of county staff, it can take anywhere between 2 to 5 weeks to process and verify a vendor form.
7. Who is the energy auditor for this program?
The audits are performed by Craig Schneider from Sustained Ability Construction. Mr. Schneider has 20 years’ experience in sustainable and efficient construction and most recently has administered the City of Batavia’s GREEN Program. He possesses several professional accreditations, including a LEED AP certification and the HERS Rater designation from RESNET.
8. Why do I need to submit a W-9?
All rebates over $600 are considered taxable income by the IRS. As such, we are required to collect W-9's so we can send you a 1099 Form with the rebate information at the end of the year. The impact this will have on your specific tax liability depends on your personal situation, and we recommend speaking to a tax professional to understand whether and how much your rebate may be taxed.
9. When do I need to schedule my audit?
Scheduling takes place online and you'll receive a schedule link via email after your waiver is signed.
Please review the full *STEP BY STEP GUIDE* to learn more.
