The IMEA Electric Efficiency Program helps IMEA member cities like Naperville and their customers reduce their electric demand and consumption, thereby reducing wholesale power costs. This allows members to shift dollars for other needs and to enhance their economic climate by making utility costs more affordable for established and potential businesses.

As part of these efforts, the IMEA offers a grant to Naperville's non-residential customers to be used for energy improvements. In 2023, $212,970 is available for non-residential customer grants for energy improvements.

Eligible Projects

Examples of projects that might qualify include installation of light-emitting diode (LED) exterior and interior lighting systems. Additional applications for other programs, such as refrigeration; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and efficient fans and motors are also available.

Application Criteria

The applicant must be a nonresidential customer of Naperville's Electric Utility. Commercial, industrial, institutional, local government or nongovernment (schools, parks, museums, etc.) are all eligible to apply. 

How To Apply

Applicants can submit their energy efficiency project proposals to the IMEA using one of the five IMEA application forms that best fits their proposed project. Lighting Replacement Program applicants should use the first form, "Lighting Measures." 

Application Period

The application period opened May 9th, 2023. Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first-come, first-evaluated basis until all funds are awarded. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Grant Award Amount

Projects may receive up to 50% of the total project cost, up to $25,000, and awarded funds must be matched dollar-for-dollar by the applicant. Applicants are limited to $25,000 per program annual award cycle (until Sept. 1). Any customer (or owner of multiple properties) can only receive up to $25,000 in incentive awards until Sept. 1 of each grant year. Then, if there are any remaining funds, applicants/business owners already awarded incentives of $25,000 would be eligible for an additional $25,000 incentive for a separate project location based on the date the application was received. Projects must be completed within one year from the date of the award or funding will be withdrawn.

Required Inspections

After receiving notice to proceed, but prior to commencing work, the applicant must notify the City's Inspection Dispatch at (630) 420-6100, Option 1, to schedule and pass a pre-project inspection. Additional inspections may be required depending on the scope of work. After all work is completed, the applicant must notify the City to schedule and pass a post-project inspection. Failure to schedule and pass the required inspections will cause the applicant to forfeit their grant money. 

Time of Funding

After the energy efficiency project is completed, the applicant will submit a final application for funding along with invoices, receipts and other documentation by email to Rod Whelpley, IMEA, at rwhelpley@imea.org. The City will verify all work has been completed. The IMEA then reviews the final application materials and issues the project reimbursement to the recipient.

Contact Information

Bernie Saban, Utility Analyst, sabanb@naperville.il.us

2022 Grant Recipients

The following are recipients of IMEA Electric Efficiency funding for projects during the 2022-2023 grant cycle, which is estimated to result in a savings of more than 1.73 million kWh.

2021 Grant Recipients

The following are recipients of IMEA Electric Efficiency funding for projects during the 2021-2022 grant cycle, which is estimated to result in a savings of more than 1.07 million kWh.