Thursday, June 26, 2025
Three-part blog series by Spring 2025 Energy & Climate Intern Ava Ambroggio
A key factor contributing to the disparity in success between Illinois’ Home Energy Savings (HES) program and Duke Energy’s Neighborhood Energy Saver (NES) and Dominion Energy’s Neighborhood Energy Efficiency Program (NEEP) appears to be significant differences in program funding.
In 2023, HES operated with a yearly budget of $32 million. In contrast, Dominion and Duke Energy allocated approximately…
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Three-part blog series by Spring 2025 Energy & Climate Intern Ava Ambroggio
Recognizing the disproportionate energy burden that low-income communities experience, utilities offer programs to address inefficient energy consumption.
Their programs often feature “direct install” measures, which are energy efficiency upgrades that the utility or its contractors install for free. The alternative is a loan or rebate program that requires cost sharing or upfront investment by participants.
The…
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Three-part blog series by Spring 2025 Energy & Climate Intern Ava Ambroggio
An energy burden is the portion of a household’s annual income spent on home energy costs.
Housing and energy experts recommend that households spend no more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, with no more than 6 percent dedicated to energy expenses. For example, a household with a $75,000 annual income should spend no…
Monday, December 9, 2024
Traveling offers an opportunity to explore new cultures, recharge, and create lasting memories. But our adventures often come with a hefty environmental cost. From flights to accommodations, our journeys can contribute to carbon emissions and pollution. This gift guide features a selection of climate-conscious travel products, so that gift giving is kind to both the people you care about and the planet.
Luggage that makes a difference
Though it’s a…
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
The holiday season is here, and so is the winter chill. Read through our energy-saving tips to keep your home warm and festive without breaking the bank.
Purchase a smart thermostat
The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity: last-minute packing, unexpected winter storms that knock down trees and power lines, and sprinting off to the airport for a family trip to Paris. Within this chaos, it’s easy to forget…
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Purchasing a home is a significant milestone and cornerstone of the “American dream.” It’s a place to rest and relax, raise a family, and secure a long-term financial investment. As climate change becomes a more tangible reality, the home buying process is shifting, especially here in the Southeast. A recent Zillow survey found that 80 percent of prospective home buyers consider climate risks when shopping for a home. Their concern…
