For assistance in accessing these energy and renewables programs contact us. 

Ameren Illinois  Energy Efficiency Program. Regardless of the industry you serve, Ameren IL offers equipment-specific incentives and programs for businesses to install more energy efficient lighting, HVAC, water heaters, specialty equipment, water-saving devices, process steam and steam traps, variable frequency drives, new construction, retro commissioning, leak survey and repairs, and custom incentives. Pre-approval of purchases is recommended for large projects. The award is on a cost reimbursement basis.

Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois Program). The REV Illinois program is specifically designed to help create new jobs in the cutting-edge EV and renewables industries, to pave the way for investment in priority areas such as “underserved areas” and “energy transition areas”, and to incentivize employers to provide ongoing skills training in this field. 

  • Eligible Applicants – Electric Vehicles: Manufacturers of electricity powered vehicles; EV component parts, charging stations, battery lifespan solutions, battery raw materials refining solutions.
  • Eligible Applicants – Renewables:  Companies that manufacture or assemble  equipment, systems, or products used  to produce renewable  or nuclear energy; products used for energy conservation , storge, or grid efficiency purposes;  or component parts for those systems or products.   
  • Investment and job requirements.  Applicants must commit to a level of capital investment and job creation to be eligible for the REV Illinois program. Benefits are available for two different tiers of investment levels. Go to links Tier 1 and Tier 2 for this information.
  • Credits and exemptions available:
  • Payroll Withholding Benefits: Income tax  withholding is retained  and not turned  over to the state; up to 100% income tax withholding  for new or retained employees; up to 75% income tax credit  equivalent to construction wages.
  • Tax Credits: Tax Credit covers up to  25% of  employee training costs; tax credit equal  to 0.5% of qualified property investments. 
  • Tax Exemptions for Larger Projects: 5 year state sales tax exemption on building materials for construction, remodeling, , or rehabilitation. (Larger project = 
  • Property Tax Abatement: Ability to negotiate property tax abatement  with local jurisdictions  for life of the agreement.
  • Other Support & Incentives: Purchases of machinery, equipment, tools, and consumables, used in mfg. process  are exempt  from states sales tax  for all manufacturers in IL; grants for larger projects  to support  employee training, recruitment, road infrastructure, & upfront  capital  costs; site selection support and expedited permitting. 
  • Length of Benefit: 20-30 years with a one-time renewal option.

USDA-RD Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Bio-based Product Manufacturing Assistance Guarantee Program: This is offered through the USDA Rural Development through a semiannual request-for-proposal process. 

  • Eligible applicants. Individuals, corporations, and cooperatives located in U.S. with eligible lenders.
  • Funding levels: Loan guarantees up to $250M and can’t exceed 80% of total eligible project costs.
  • Qualifying activities: Develop, build, or retrofit biorefineries and bio-based manufacturing facilities to support  new and emerging technologies. In the U.S.

Federal Solar Tax Credits for Businesses. There are two tax credits available for businesses and other entities like nonprofits and local and tribal governments that purchase solar systems.

  • The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) reduces the federal income tax liability for  percentage of the cost of a solar system that is installed during the tax year.
  • The Production Tax Credit (PTC) is a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) tax credit for electricity generated by solar and on other qualifying technologies for the first 10 years of a system’s operation.  It reduces the federal income tax liability and is adjusted annually for inflation.
  • Eligible Property.  Solar PV panels, inverters, racking, balance of system equipment, and sales and use tax es on equipment; CSP equipment; installation costs; step-up transformers, circuit breakers, surge arrestors; energy storage devices 5 kilowatt hours or greater; for projects 5 MW or less – interconnection property costs incurred during and beyond point of connection to distribution or transmission system. (Cost of roof installation not eligible, but incremental costs like solar shingles, tiles, reflective roof membrane is. )
  • Special Requirements. Generally,  project owners cannot claim both the ITC and the PTC for the same property, although they could claim different credits for co-located systems, like solar and storage.  To claim the ITC, complete and attach IRS Form 3468 to tax return. To claim the PTC , complete and attach IRS Form 89662 to tax return

Waterloo Energy Efficiency Grants. Electric efficiency projects undertaken by a commercial customer of Waterloo’s electric utility may qualify for an incentive reimbursement through the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency’s (IMEA) Electric Efficiency Program.

  • Eligible applicants:  Waterloo Electric Department Commercial/Industrial Customers are Eligible for Cash Incentives for Installing More Efficient Lighting and Equipment. : Commercial, industrial, institutional, local government or non-government (schools, parks, museums, etc.) customers are all eligible to apply.
  • Qualifying projects. Projects that might qualify include installing more efficient T8, T5 or LED interior or exterior lighting. Additional applications soon will be available for such measures as refrigeration; programmable thermostats; air compressors; and efficient fans and motors projects. 
  • Funding Availability: Applicants must submit a pre-application before starting their electric efficiency project. Check: http://www.imea.org/EEProgram.aspx  for details. To apply for the Electric Efficiency Grant Program,  or for more information, contact the city of Waterloo Utilities department. 

MCEC Electric Water Heater Rebate.  Members of the Monroe County Electric Cooperative who replace an existing gas water heater  with an electric water heater, 50 gallons in size or larger, can qualify for a $100 rebate. MCEC provides electric services to rural areas in Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair  Counties. 

MCEC Geothermal Rebate: Monroe County Electric Co-op (MCEC) will rebate $1,000 to members who install a geothermal system (minimum of 3-tons). Member must submit an invoice for system  and be subject to a site visit. MCEC provides electric services to rural areas in Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair  Counties. 

MCEC Heat Pump Rebate: Monroe County Electric Co-op (MCEC) will rebate $500 to members who install a heat pump (minimum of 3-tons and SEER rating of 15). Member must submit an invoice for the system and be subject to a site visit. MCEC provides electric services to rural areas in Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair  Counties. 

MCEC Capital Credits: Members of the Monroe County Electric Co-op are eligible for annual capital credits. MCEC returns all excess revenue over expenses to the members of the Co-op.  Each year, this net margin – or Capital Credit – is credited to the capital account of each member in proportion to the amount of electric power purchased at such times as the financial condition of MCEC permits. MCEC has returned a total of well over $6M to its members. MCEC provides electric services to rural areas in Monroe, Randolph and St. Clair  Counties.