With hot summer temperatures, our Energy Services Office wants to share some tips on how to stay cool and comfortable while saving energy and not over-working your air conditioning (A/C) system.

STAY COOL TIPS

• Turn your thermostat up and use fans only in occupied rooms to increase air flow and the cooling effect it creates. A fan will use much less energy than the air conditioner.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and other appliances, which create heat gain to a property.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing. When outdoors, keep hydrated and stay cool in the pool or outdoors with sprinklers.
• Avoid unnecessary trips in and out of the house to keep heat and humidity out.
• Make sure all windows are tightly shut and locked to limit air escape.
• Keep windows shaded – particularly those facing west – especially in the afternoon, to limit solar heat gain. East-facing windows can be shaded to block morning sunlight.
• Save clothes washing and drying, dishwashing, cooking, vacuuming and other heat- and humidity-producing activities for the late evening hours when outdoor temperatures are cooler.
• Move cooking with heat outdoors. When cooking indoors, use the right size pan for the stove burner. This will help ensure most of the heat from the burner will go to heat your food, not the air in your house.
• If you don’t have adequate air conditioning, go to one of the Springfield area Cooling Center locations for the hottest parts of the day, which can be found here.

SAVE ENERGY TIPS & TUNE UPS

• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy saving lights. LED lights use up to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs while lasting up to 25 times longer. LED bulbs produce less heat.
• Add or repair weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors to reduce and prevent leaks.
• Run kitchen and bathroom fans and other exhaust fans only as necessary to clear excess humidity. This is especially important when your air conditioner or furnace is running as these fans will pull conditioned air from the building and make your A/C work harder.
• Clean area around A/C unit from leaves or debris to allow for airflow and shade area, if possible. Shut off power to the unit before cleaning it. On the inside, wash or vacuum cleanable filters, and replace disposable ones. Hose off any accumulated dirt. Use a professional for help and schedule annual inspections.
• Clean or replace indoors A/C filters to maximize efficiency. Homes with pets or in dusty areas could benefit from monthly replacement. Typical replacement schedule is twice a year.
• Update your insulation. This will keep cool air in your home and hot air out. You can add more insulation on top of existing insulation in your attic. For more information on the type of insulation you should use, visit EnergySavers.gov.
• Check your attic for proper insulation to keep hot air out. Use a whole house fan to drive hot air out.
• Consider planting fast-growing trees and shrubs near your home, but away from power lines, to provide shade.
• Set computers and monitors to go to “sleep” after 10 or 15 minutes of inactivity.
• Upgrade to EnergyStar, high efficiency appliances.
• Do full loads of laundry on cold setting and avoid use of washer and dryer on the hottest part of the day.

You can call CWLP Energy Services at 217.789.2070 or visit their website.

We’ve updated the order of the Account number and Customer number on the CWLP bill to match the order that Banks and other Online Payment Providers prefer. This will make it easier for customers to make payments and other account transactions, which require that information. We’ve also updated the back of the CWLP bill with more information on ways to pay, going paperless and bill detail descriptions plus expanded contact information for CWLP offices.

Severe weather can cause power outages so if you’re at home and the power goes out, please know CWLP crews will work to restore power as efficiently as possible without compromising safety. When there are widespread outages, besides the CWLP Outage map, utility will update the local news media, its Facebook and Twitter pages with the latest information to help get the word out to help free up resources for the utility’s Electric Dispatch to be able to employ their most efficient response for power restoration.

For checking outage status, our customers can input their street address number and phone number associated with their CWLP account on the CWLP Outage Map to confirm the utility is aware of an outage. Do understand during very large outages it may take longer for the map to update and restoration estimates aren’t always possible. You can also report new or unknown outages and damaged equipment or downed power lines to Electric Dispatch at 217-789-2121. Downed power lines can also be reported to 911.

Learn More from the CWLP Outage Center page, Electric Outages.

Officials from the University of Illinois, the City of Springfield, the State of Illinois, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) gathered on Dec. 8, 2022 for a groundbreaking ceremony for a 10-megawatt carbon capture project at City, Water, Light, and Power’s (CWLP) Dallman Unit 4 in Springfield, Illinois.

“This is an essential step toward implementing innovative CO2 reduction strategies, reducing carbon emissions and greenhouse gases at an industrial scale,” said Kevin OBrien, Director of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) at the Prairie Research Institute (PRI).

The ceremony kicked off Phase III Build and Construction for the 10-megawatt (MWe) Linde-BASF advanced post-combustion CO2 capture system to process the Dallman Unit 4 flue gas and is recognized one of the world’s largest carbon capture pilots.

“The CWLP project represents an exciting milestone in our efforts to advance and deploy carbon capture, and to bring real economic benefits to communities and entire regions as we move to a clean energy economy,” said Lynn Brickett, Director, Point Source Carbon Capture Division in the DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. “I thank all of our partners for their work to move this project forward.”

DOE has allocated $47 million for this final phase to complete the project. The State of Illinois has committed an additional $20 million, bringing the total cost to $67 million.

“Our students deserve and need a future that is worthy of them,” said Timothy Killeen, President of the University of Illinois System, “and this project is an important component of that, which is very exciting because this project is not only successful but scalable.”

DOE cited the successful construction and operation of the Dallman Unit 4 test plant as a means to demonstrate economic carbon-capture technology and help enable commercialization of the technology.

“We are fortunate that the Prairie Research Institute at University of Illinois and the Department of Energy chose our city for this monumental project,” said Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder. “This pilot is not only a value to our regional economic impact and job creation, but the impact it will have globally—as the energy industry and manufacturing sectors are all working to create a better balanced, low carbon future.”

PRI projects the construction and operation of the Dallman Unit 4 carbon capture facility will have a regional economic impact for construction and jobs of $47.1 million and will generate tax revenue of $5.6 million.

“Demonstrating this technology couldn’t be more timely, as this project is what the U.S. and other countries need to keep economies moving by adapting existing generation sources to support a resilient and reliable energy grid,” said CWLP Chief Utility Engineer Doug Brown. “We are pleased to host this project at our Unit 4 and look forward to future innovation the Prairie Research Institute and the DOE can develop that CWLP can bring to fruition.”

Participants included University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen; Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder; City, State and Federal officials; representatives from University of Illinois and its Prairie Research Institute; U.S. Department of Energy; City Water, Light and Power (CWLP); Plumbers & Steamfitters #137; IBEW #193’ Boilermakers #363; and project partner companies Linde, ACS and BASF.
Watch on Video

City Water, Light and Power has earned the Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost, and sustainable electric service. Koral Miller, energy services manager at Mason County PUD No. 3 in Shelton, Washington, and chair of APPA’s Energy Innovation Committee, presented the designation on November 15, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota during APPA’s annual Customer Connections Conference.

The SEP designation recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. CWLP is one of 31 public power utilities nationwide that earned the SEP designation this year.

CWLP’s application scored high for its research and development partnerships on a number of projects and studies including for the Dallman Unit 4 Carbon Capture Pilot, Algae Re-use, and Fly Ash Reuse. The utility also had high marks for its smart energy goals and objectives for its older Dallman Plant retirements, its continued pursuit of a large solar purchase power contract and its incentivized net metering program for customer-owned solar. CWLP’s demand side management energy efficiency programs were recognized, including for energy audits, EV incentivized charging rates, home retrofits, lighting, water heaters, heat pumps and HE AC systems, as well as for CWLP distributed generation programs, including incentivized rate structure for net metering for customer-owned solar and utility-owned solar for its 250 kW installation.

“We are honored to be recognized as a top leader among US utilities for smart energy best practices,” said CWLP Chief Utility Engineer Doug Brown. “This designation represents our dedication to some of the things public power does best—offering programs that prioritize efficiency and sustainability, while keeping our power affordable and reliable for our community.”

“SEP-designated utilities have demonstrated their leadership in smart energy programs and services,” said Miller. “This designation celebrates utilities that are committed to serving their customers while taking the extra step to plan for the future. Communities served by utilities that have earned the SEP designation should be proud of their utility’s accomplishments.”


(Top L to R from CWLP, Schy Willmore, Rick Meadows, P.J. Becker, Brian Jones; Bottom L to R Heather Williams, Amber Sabin, Mayor Jim Langfelder, Doug Brown, Scott Rogers.)

How can you save on heating costs this winter? CWLP has some basic tips that are affordable and easy to do to reduce energy waste and usage while keeping your home comfortable.

• Lower the temperature on your thermostat and layer up in clothing to keep warm. While sleeping or away, lower the thermostat even more or set a programmable thermostat to increase your energy savings.
• If using a space heater to warm an occupied area, keep doors closed to that room and lower the home system thermostat by at least 1° to achieve savings.
• Set water heater temperature to no higher than 120° as these units account for 20% of your heating costs.
• Clean or replace your furnace filter regularly.
• Use sealant or metal tape to close over leaks or holes in your air ducts.
• Caulk and add weatherstripping to doors and windows that leak air.
• Allow direct sunlight to enter windows to increase solar heat gain into the property.
• Make sure your insulation is up to a foot or foot and half deep in your attic or crawl space.

Go to CWLP.com to learn more energy saving tips from the Energy Services Office!
Ask about CWLP’s Home Energy Audit and virtual option, 217.789.2070 or nrgxprts@cwlp.com.

City Water, Light and Power customers who need help paying their bill could qualify for assistance from the utility’s Project RELIEF program. The first step in applying for assistance from Project RELIEF is to have gone through Sangamon County’s LIHEAP application process. Then to qualify for CWLP Project RELIEF, call the appointment line at 217.789.2414 on or after Thursday, December 1st. Customers meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be scheduled for a meeting with Fifth Street Renaissance, the program’s administrator.

To qualify for the program; a customer must have:

• a total household income for the previous 90 days of no more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (Household Size and 90-day income: 1-$5,096; 2-$6,866; 3-$8,636; 4-$10,406)
• a past-due CWLP bill;
• not received Project RELIEF assistance in 2021-2022 program season;
• exhausted all assistance resources including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), 535-3120. See application here. (Customers who have only water service from CWLP do not need to apply to LIHEAP first); and
• the ability to cover a portion of their past-due bill, as required.

Project RELIEF donations are collected primarily from CWLP customers who add $1 or more to their monthly bill along with City employee payroll contributions.

All funds that are received for Project RELIEF go directly to those in need, without any amount being used to cover administrative costs. CWLP customers that would like to donate to the program can sign up to add $1 or more to their monthly bill online, Proeject RELIEF. Those who would prefer to make a one-time contribution can mail a check or money order made payable to Project RELIEF and send it to Fifth Street Renaissance at 1315 N. Fifth Street, Springfield, IL 62702.

For more information on Project RELIEF and other bill assistance programs visit, Bill Assistance.

It has been in the news—the talk about Midwest energy shortages and rolling blackouts. We put together information to explain what it means and give you some tips to prepare. Visit www.CWLP.com/energyemergency to also view the current Energy Emergency Advisory Status. This is based on any Midwest Energy Emergency Declaration by the 15-state grid operator MISO, that would call for electric conservation and/or preparation for protective power outages, rolling blackouts.

CWLP residential customers can take advantage of a High-Efficiency Air Conditioner Rebate program to help lower bills and reduce summer energy usage. Qualifying units must be new with a minimum SEER rating of 16 and a minimum EER rating of 12.5 and installed on or after March 1. Cooling capacity must also be less than 72,000 Btuh or 6 tons. Rebates will be given on a first-come, first-served basis to customers meeting all of the eligibility requirements until funding is exhausted. Rebate amounts awarded, which will be applied as a credit to the customer’s CWLP bill, may range from $150 to $600 depending on the unit type installed.

Applicants for the program must:

• Be CWLP metered electric customers.
• The central air conditioner meeting the required efficiency ratings must be installed by an HVAC contractor licensed to operate in Springfield.
• Applications, accompanied by proof of purchase with purchase cost, must be received by CWLP within one year of the installation date to be eligible for the rebate.

For full rebate rules and eligibility requirements see the High Efficiency Air Conditioning Rebate information and form from the CWLP rebate page, or contact the Energy Services Office at 217.789.2070 or email nrgxprts@cwlp.com.

Now is a great time for our customers to install a geothermal heat pump in their homes. Besides being three to four times more efficient than standard air conditioners and gas furnace combination systems, if installed by the end of 2019, a 30% Federal Tax Credit is available plus a one-time CWLP rebate up to $3,000. In addition, with a heat pump, CWLP residential customers can qualify for our Electric Heat Rate discount when electricity is used as the primary energy source for heating. Customers who are currently on CWLP's Electric Rates 34-37 already receive this savings.

Why Go Geothermal

Efficiency
Geothermal heat pumps are three- to four-times more efficient than a standard air conditioner and gas furnace combination system. Roughly 70% of the energy used by geothermal systems come from the ground.

Economics
Operating costs are 15% to 20% lower than a conventional forced air heating and cooling system.

Reliability
Since geothermal units are located indoors and are shielded from harsh weather conditions, they last longer and often operate with minimal maintenance.

Comfort
Unlike traditional heating systems that tend to cycle on and off, geothermal heat pumps have longer operating cycles providing even temperatures throughout the year.

Sustainability
Geothermal heat pumps recycle waste heat from the home and use it to supplement the hot water system inside your home.

The Geothermal & Air Source Heat Pump Rebate is available to CWLP residential electric customers meeting all eligibility requirements. Commercial customers may also qualify for this rebate but pre-approval is required and rebate amounts differ.

For information on amounts available for all of CWLP’s rebates and full program details on program pre-approval requirements, please contact the CWLP Energy Services by phone at 217.789.2070 or visit our Rebate Page.

Home energy audits and technical assistance programs helping people save.

City Water, Light and Power Energy Experts are in the business of helping Springfield residents and commercial customers save money and energy through the utility’s various technical assistance programs. The CWLP Energy Experts offer a Money-Back Home Energy Audit program to help residential electric customers reduce their energy usage, save money, address drafts, or just to help them figure out what to do to make their home more efficient. In addition, the Energy Experts can also provide residents and businesses on-site assistance and conduct individual account assessments to help identify efficiency issues or usage questions.

CWLP MONEY-BACK HOME ENERGY AUDIT
CWLP's home energy audit, which is covered by a one-time $25 fee added to a customer’s electric bill, is available to anyone owning or residing in a residential property that receives metered electric service from CWLP. The audit take about two hours to complete in most homes and involves a search for inefficiencies in the home from the attic to the basement, a blower door test and a thorough assessment detailing any problems.

After the audit is complete, the Energy Expert will provide the customer with a packet of efficiency products selected based on the needs identified by the audit. In addition to reviewing findings with the customer as the audit and blower door test are in progress, the Energy Expert will write a report that details all of the improvement recommendations, share information on available rebates and provide savings estimates achievable from each. If any or all of the improvements listed in the audit report are made within one year of the initial audit and the customer completes a follow-up audit, a $25 rebate will be issued to the customer.

SMART SOLUTIONS HOME EFFICIENCY WORKSHOPS
The CWLP Energy Services Office offers “Smart Solutions,” home efficiency workshops throughout the year at the Lincoln Library and on-demand in a group setting for organizations or neighborhood groups, who have a minimum of 15 attendees. In most cases, the workshops can be set up at the convenience of the requesting organization.

COMMERCIAL FACILITY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
CWLP offers free facility technical assistance to commercial electric customers upon request. Included in a commercial facility technical assistance is a walk-through evaluation of the business' energy systems, including lighting, HVAC and thermostat operation, water heating and other specialized equipment or systems. During the walk-through, the Energy Expert also addresses specific concerns and can provide tips on equipment or operational changes that could be made to reduce energy usage, as well as information about rebates, grants and other incentives for improving energy or water efficiency that might be available from CWLP and other sources.

CWLP Energy Experts also can provide the customer with billing histories in both table and graphical form and explain the bill components. Comparisons of weather-related data can also be provided, allowing the customer to understand the impact weather can and has had on consumption.

GENERAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR HOMES OR BUSINESSES
The general Technical Assistance (TA) program offered by CWLP is designed to help customers who are experiencing efficiency-related problems in their homes or businesses or who have any type of energy efficiency question. TAs, which are free of charge to CWLP electric customers, can be conducted on-site, over the phone, by mail, or by email—depending on the circumstances and needs of the customer.

Some TAs are investigatory in nature, such as those provided to customers who call with high-bill concerns. Some are educational in nature, such as those that teach customers how to use automatic setback thermostats and provide advice about various efficiency tools, choosing a heating and cooling contractor, or making economic comparisons of energy systems. The CWLP Energy Experts can even help customers design energy efficiency into the structure before building a new home or business.

To make an appointment or for more information on the CWLP Money Back Home Energy Audit or any of the technical assistance programs, customers can call the CWLP Energy Services Office at 217.789.2070 or email nrgxprts@cwlp.com.