Free Chicagoland Multifamily Energy Upgrades & Insulation (MFES Program)
Lower your building's operating costs and increase property value with $0 out-of-pocket upgrades.
We help owners and property managers of apartments, condos, dorms, and retirement communities (3+ units) secure fully funded energy improvements through the local Multi-Family Energy Savings program.
Backed by Eligible Utility Programs
What the MFES Program Covers?
The Multi-Family Energy Savings (MFES) program is a utility-backed initiative funded by ComEd, Nicor Gas, and the State of Illinois that provides free or heavily subsidized energy upgrades to apartment buildings and condos, including insulation, air sealing, LED lighting, and HVAC improvements.
There is no cost to you or your tenants. If your building has 3 or more units and is located in a qualifying ZIP code, you may be eligible to receive these upgrades at $0 out-of-pocket. Fill out the short form below and one of our MFES specialists will reach out to walk you through the next steps.
Fill This Out to Check Your Eligibility
Takes less than 60 seconds. One of our MFES experts will reach out to confirm whether your building qualifies and walk you through the process.
How the Process Work
From your first call to completed upgrades, most building owners find the process simple and are finished in less than 3 weeks.
1. Submit Your Eligibility Form
Fill out the short form with your building info and ZIP code.
2. We Review Your Building
Our team assesses your building and identifies the right program fit.
3. Approved Upgrades Get Installed
Qualified properties can receive covered upgrades with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Upgrades Available Through MFES
Available upgrades vary by property and are confirmed during the free energy assessment.
Insulation & Weatherization
Improve comfort and reduce heat loss with eligible insulation and weatherization upgrades for qualifying multifamily buildings.
Air
Sealing
Seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes and other leakage points to improve comfort and energy performance.
LED
Lighting
Upgrade common-area lighting with efficient LED improvements that can help reduce electricity use and maintenance.
HVAC
Improvements
Qualifying properties may be eligible for smart thermostats and select HVAC system upgrades based on program review.
Who Qualifies for the MFES Program?
Qualifying multifamily buildings in eligible ComEd and Nicor service areas qualify for the MFES program, with final eligibility confirmed based on property details and location.
✔ 3+ Unit Multifamily Buildings
Apartment buildings, condos, and mixed-use properties with 3 or more dwelling units.
✔ ComEd or Nicor Service Area
Properties must be located in an eligible utility service area to qualify for MFES-supported upgrades.
✔ Qualifying Chicago ZIP Codes
This campaign is focused on select ZIP codes in the Chicago metro area.
✔ Eligibility Confirmed by Assessment
Final program eligibility and available upgrades are confirmed after a property review or energy assessment.
Covered Chicago Neighborhoods & ZIP Codes
All campaigns and upgrades are strictly targeted to the ZIP codes below. Check if your building is in our service area.
Is your building on this list?
We are currently accepting applications from building owners and property managers in the neighborhoods and ZIP codes listed. If you do not see your area, contact us because funding areas are updated quarterly.
FAQ
How can this program help reduce operating costs for my building?
This program can help reduce operating costs for your building by providing a free assessment and financial support for eligible energy-saving improvements. For Chicago multifamily properties, that may help reduce electric and gas waste tied to systems served by ComEd and Peoples Gas.
Which property owners or managers should consider applying?
The property owners or managers who should consider applying are those who own or manage multifamily buildings with 3 or more units and want to lower utility costs or improve building efficiency. Public Housing Authorities may also qualify under the offering.
What buildings qualify?
The buildings that qualify are generally multifamily properties with 3 or more residential units that are located in an eligible utility service area. That can include properties in territories served by ComEd, Peoples Gas, Nicor Gas or North Shore Gas, depending on where the building is located.
What kinds of upgrades may be included?
The kinds of upgrades that may be included are direct-install products for units or common areas, along with incentives for larger efficiency projects. Depending on the building and eligibility path, larger upgrades can include HVAC improvements, boiler upgrades, insulation work and air sealing.
Is everything really free?
Everything is not always free under this program, because some buildings may receive free assessments and free products while larger upgrades may be covered only in part through incentives or rebates. The level of support depends on the building type, utility territory, income-eligible status and the specific scope of work.
