The best energy for the environment is energy that’s never used. Becoming more efficient is the simplest, most cost effective and greenest way to reduce your energy use. To get started, schedule your free Home Energy Assessment with ComEd, multi-unit owners and residents can look here. Swap out your incandescent light bulbs for LEDs, turn things off and seal up leaks, these are easy changes with big impact and are the first steps to reducing your carbon footprint. Purchase Energy Star rated appliances, upgrade to smart thermostats and check to make sure you have adequate insulation in your home. Wash you clothes in cold water and hang to dry. Research and buy appliances or HVAC systems before they need replacement. There are many rebates and tax incentives for new eco-friendly technologies thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Get information about heat pumps, solar incentives and more and find out much you can save with this handy calculator from Rewiring America.

The climate has changed and if anything can be done to slow the change, we have to change the way we generate electricity. We need to move from coal and fossil fuels to renewable clean energy. Home solar energy has arrived in Illinois. Making your own energy from your roof is an empowering action and part of the change we need to make. Not only is solar renewable and clean, but it will save you thousands of dollars in energy costs. There is virtually no maintenance, no need for batteries and doesn’t change the way the power works. Prices have come down dramatically in recent years. State and federal incentives will typically cover more than half the cost of going solar. There are many financing options available from outright purchase to low cost loans and leases that allow you to go solar for less monthly than your current electric bill.  Find out more at ISEA, the Illinois Solar Energy Association.

Do you live in a rental home or condo? Is your roof shaded by trees? Maybe you plan on moving in a few years. Rooftop solar may not be an option. If this is your situation, you can still take advantage of clean energy by subscribing to a community solar project.  Any customer in the ComEd service area can subscribe. These solar farms may be located outside of Highland Park, but send clean energy to the power grid. These are projects typically cover many acres in rural areas. The energy generated by the panels you subscribe to get credited to your energy bill. Find details about the city of Highland Park’s community solar program here. In 2020 GGHP led a successful Community Solar Campaign, helping more than 70 homes in Highland Park support clean energy in Illinois.