The Illinois DCEO programs are subject to the State appropriation process, and while the Department can accept and review applications, it will not be able to award funding, issue Notices to Proceed, or execute/modify grants until a State budget is finalized.

The Public Sector Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Pilot Program (“Pilot Program”) will provide electric and natural gas savings under the Illinois Energy Now Program by incentivizing the development and operation of CHP projects in public sector applications. The Pilot Program is a performance-based program requiring both estimated performance at the time an application is submitted and measured performance over the first twelve (12) months of operation after the commissioning of the system. The Pilot Program is established to encourage investment in Conventional CHP systems as well as Waste Heat-to-Power (WHP) CHP systems in the public sector.

Project applications under this pilot program must be submitted by 4:30pm Central Time on Friday, November 21, 2014. The intent of this RFA is to have contracts awarded by the DCEO to the successful applicants by February or March, 2015. All successful applicants are encouraged to complete the design and installation of the CHP system, complete the commissioning of the CHP system, and successfully complete the 12 months of operation required to receive the full rebates as expeditiously as possible. The 12 months of operation of the CHP system must be completed by the conclusion of the 2014-2017 three-year approved program plan (May 31, 2017). Project approvals are subject to availability of funds and all other program provisions and limitations apply.