Hundreds of low-income families in Illinois are switching to electric power at no cost

Jean Gay-Robinson described her reaction as tears of joy when utility company ComEd upgraded all the gas-powered appliances in her Chicago home to modern electric alternatives, entirely free of charge. As a retiree on a fixed income, she is relieved that she likely wont need to purchase appliances again, her energy bills have decreased, and her home is now safer. I dont have to worry about gas leaks or carbon monoxide anymore, she said.

Gay-Robinson is part of hundreds of Illinois residents benefiting from a provision in the states 2021 clean-energy legislation. The law allows electric utilities to meet energy-conservation targets by providing low-income households with electric appliances that reduce overall energy costs, even if electricity usage increases.

This approach, while uncommon across the country, could help sustain building decarbonization efforts as federal incentives for home electrification are rolled back under the Trump administration.

Benefits of Modern Electric Appliances

Appliances such as induction stoves, electric dryers, and heat pumps are significantly more energy-efficient than their gas-powered counterparts. According to Nick Montoni, senior program director at the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center, electrification reduces fossil fuel consumption even when electricity comes from gas or coal plants. As renewable energy expands, emissions from electric appliances decrease further. Additionally, households enjoy cleaner indoor air, as gas stoves emit harmful pollutants.

Replacing appliances, however, is costly. Federal tax credits for electric heat pumps and water heaters, set to expire early under the Trump administration, previously helped cover these costs. The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, also faces uncertainty, with some state allocations delayed.

State-Level Incentives for Electrification

Illinois law mandates that ComEd reduce electricity consumption annually by roughly 2% of its sales. Ameren, another major state utility, will follow similar rules starting in 2029. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act of 2021 allows a portion of energy savings to come from electrification, with formulas to estimate energy savings from replacing gas appliances with electric ones.

Kari Ross, an energy advocate, explained that utilities can calculate savings by comparing gas therms converted to kilowatt-hours against the electricity consumed by new appliances. Montoni noted that this policy is rare but provides an effective incentive for utilities to promote electrification.

Michigan has a similar law, allowing utilities to claim electrification as part of energy-efficiency requirements, using formulas to quantify savings.

ComEds Electrification Program

ComEd covers all upfront costs for electric appliances and heat pumps for households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Since 2022, over 700 low-income homes have participated. The utility also offers rebates for any income level. State regulators require that a quarter of electrification spending target low-income households, and upgrades must reduce energy bills.

Philip Roy, ComEds director of clean energy solutions, emphasized that homes are carefully modeled to ensure cost savings. Gay-Robinson reported lower bills and reliable appliances, praising the program for helping her and recommending it to friends, particularly those vulnerable to extreme heat.

While she prefers cooking with gas, Gay-Robinson appreciated the new cookware provided with her induction stove, finding it surprisingly easy to use.

Future of Electrification in Illinois

ComEd has pledged $162.3 million over the next four years for electrification and weatherization projects. Ameren, providing both gas and electricity in central and southern Illinois, will spend $5 million through 2029 to help rural customers switch from propane to electric heat pumps.

Rising electricity costs and federal policy changes may make future retrofits less common. Roy noted that high electricity prices may limit options for appliances that previously reduced bills. He also highlighted the potential of rooftop solar and battery storage to provide clean energy at little to no upfront cost, supporting both electrification and broader energy-efficiency goals.

By combining electrification, traditional energy efficiency, solar, and storage, Illinois has the tools to accelerate the clean energy transition, Roy said.

Author: Sophia Brooks