As 2025 draws to a close, we want to remind our valued customers that funding for energy efficiency upgrades will resume in 2026. Our team is preparing a new round of applications and incentives designed to help property managers and owners enhance their buildings’ comfort and performance.

Expect opportunities for weatherization, mechanical upgrades and other efficiency improvements that can lower energy use and costs.

Stay tuned—2026 will bring fresh ways to save energy and boost your property’s bottom line.

Oak Park Apartments has made energy efficiency a cornerstone of its property management strategy, earning more than $42,700 in incentives and saving approximately 37,000 therms per year across four multi-family buildings.

Upgrades such as pipe insulation, boiler tune-ups and steam trap repairs have improved comfort for residents while reducing environmental impact.

“It’s nice to have fresh eyes and people outside your organization who bring experience—that’s the key.” — Bill Planek, Owner, Oak Park Apartments

Efficiency, Comfort, and Savings

With nearly 80 residential properties throughout Oak Park, Chicago, and neighboring communities, owner Bill Planek says the goal is simple: save energy, save money and provide better living conditions.

“We don’t want to increase our carbon footprint any bigger than it needs to be,” Planek said. “It saves money, allows us to provide housing more affordably and makes our residents more comfortable.”

By benchmarking utilities and tracking water, gas and electric use, the team identified opportunities to cut waste, reducing water use from about 3,000 gallons per unit per month to 2,300 gallons on average.

Smart Upgrades and Partnerships

Through the Multi-Family Energy Savings program, Oak Park Apartments worked with proactive vendors to streamline assessments and implement improvements quickly.

The company also uses remote temperature sensors and automated heat controls to fine-tune comfort and efficiency.

“Once you get started, you realize it’s a manageable process—and you can replicate that success across all your buildings,” Planek said.

Innovation for the Future

Oak Park Apartments is now introducing hybrid heat pump systems that automatically switch between electricity and gas for optimal efficiency and comfort. The shift provides tenants with both central air conditioning and lower utility bills.

“The benefit was number one, efficiency,” Planek added. “And the follow-up benefits are comfort, environmental responsibility, and fiscal strength.”

Watch our short video overview to hear directly from building owners and see their results.

WATCH NOW

Our energy experts are here to help you create a more efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective property.

Stay Connected

Keep an eye out for more updates, case studies, and tips from the Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas Energy Efficiency Programs.

Helping you save energy, money and time.

Complete the MF Intake Form or call 855-993-0940