Oak Park Energy Navigator
Manage rising energy costs with expert guidance!
Program Update (April 15, 2026):
Oak Park Energy Navigator has received more resident applications than we can serve. To ensure equitable access to the program, we’re using a structured waitlist and application process. Program capacity varies by property type and income eligibility, so waitlists are managed by these categories.
Income-eligible single-family homeowners and multi-family building owners are encouraged to apply for the program.
At this time, the program is no longer able to serve single-family homeowners who are not income-eligible. Some single-family homeowners who already applied will be placed on a waitlist. If you’re on the waitlist, your status will be confirmed by email and you will be contacted if space opens in your category.
Interested residents who are not able to participate in OPEN are encouraged to explore other Oak Park and utility resources for making energy-saving home improvements.
OPEN Income Qualification: To determine eligibility, please total all income sources for all adults living in the home, not just the homeowner. If the total falls at or below the dollar amounts in the chart, the household is income-eligible.
| Household Size |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
| Income Limit |
$67,150 |
$76,750 |
$86,360 |
$95,900 |
$103,600 |
$111,250 |
$118,950 |
$126,600 |
Income thresholds are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Area Median Low Income Limits, FY2025(Chicago-Joliet-Naperville, IL HUD Metro FMR Area). For more information, please click here.
Oak Park Energy Navigator (OPEN) can help you manage your utility bills.
OPEN helps renters and owners of single-family and multi-family homes save energy, manage rising utility costs, and enhance comfort. OPEN provides free, personalized guidance by experts to help unlock rebates that reduce the cost of making energy-saving home improvements.
Sign Up for Free Energy Assessment
Start Saving Energy with Three Easy Steps
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Schedule a free home energy assessment to identify energy-saving opportunities.
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Receive a personalized report outlining steps toward energy improvements and available financial resources.
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Get connected with a dedicated energy expert to complete projects that save energy and improve comfort!
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What Properties are Eligible?
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Single-family homes and condominiums
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Multi-family properties with 20 units or fewer
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Occupied by owners or renters and located in the Village of Oak Park
Offered by the Village of Oak Park and Elevate
The Village of Oak Park is offering OPEN in partnership with Elevate, a national nonprofit based in Chicago. Elevate has 25 years of experience helping renters, homeowners, and building owners save money on utility bills and make their homes and buildings more energy-efficient and comfortable.
Get a Free Energy Assessment
If you have questions about participating in OPEN, contact Elevate at 708.761.6736 or open@elevatenp.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Oak Park Energy Navigator, and how does it work?
OPEN is a free program for Oak Park residents and property owners that offers expert guidance on making energy-saving home improvements. We begin with a comprehensive energy assessment of your property. Then we create your customized Home Energy Roadmap—a phased plan that shows which upgrades will save the most energy and money.
Making a home or building more energy efficient can be daunting, as it involves understanding new technologies, determining what works best for your property, and studying complex rebate programs.
Our Energy Navigators provide participants with personalized support and guidance, making it easier for you to implement energy-saving home improvements.
OPEN representatives can also share information with Oak Park residents about many energy efficiency rebates and programs. Contact us today at 708.761.6736 or open@elevatenp.org.
OPEN helps the Village achieve its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
If you own a single-family home, condominium, or a multi-family building with 20 or fewer units in Oak Park, you can apply.
Renters can also participate by referring their building owners to the program. OPEN can provide renters with information about energy-saving resources that do not require the involvement of the building owner.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
No, the energy assessment and Home Energy Roadmap are free. You’ll also receive support in finding financial resources to offset the cost of any upgrades you choose to make, as well as in locating trusted contractors.
What types of energy upgrades does the program cover?
OPEN does not make energy upgrades. Instead, we give you a personalized Home Energy Roadmap that recommends energy upgrades you can make to save energy and make your home more comfortable. Your Energy Navigator will connect you to financial resources and contractors to implement the upgrades.
Recommended improvements could include:
• Heating and cooling (HVAC) upgrades
• Full or partial electrification with appliances such as electric heat pumps and electric hot water heaters
• Insulation and air sealing
• Efficient water heaters and appliances
• Electrical panel upgrades
• Solar panel installation
What happens during the home energy assessment?
An Energy Analyst will visit your property for 1–4 hours (depending on property size) to:
• Inspect insulation, windows, and doors
• Check heating, cooling, and water heating systems
• Identify health and safety issues, like ventilation or wiring concerns
• Use tools like blower door tests and thermal imaging to find energy leaks
How does the Home Energy Roadmap work?
Your Home Energy Roadmap is a personalized plan that:
• Lists recommended energy-saving upgrades in priority order
• Shows estimated energy and cost savings
• Identifies available rebates, grants, and financing to offset the costs of making energy-saving improvements
• Offers a step-by-step guide to home electrification
Have aging appliances? OPEN can help you plan ahead before they fail by making recommendations for the best replacement for your home or building.
Will the program help me find contractors?
Yes. Your Energy Navigator will connect you with qualified contractors and provide guidance during the installation process. For income-qualified participants, we can also coordinate with assistance programs that handle installation directly.
What home energy rebates and financing options are available?
OPEN will identify the best financing options for you, such as:
• Village of Oak Park Climate Ready Energy Grants and Loans (up to $20,000 for income-qualified households)
• ComEd and Nicor Gas energy rebates and discounts
• Low-interest loans for energy-efficient appliances
Get Started Today
If you have questions about participating in OPEN, contact Elevate at 708.761.6736 or open@elevatenp.org.
If you have questions about the Village's energy and sustainability initiatives, contact the Office of Sustainability & Resilience.