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MEEA ED Stacey Paradis featured in Loyola University Alumni Spotlight

Check out Loyola University Chicago's Office of Sustainability newsletter and scroll down the the Alumni Spotlight to read an interview with MEEA Executive Director Stacey Paradis. Stacey addresses how Loyola helped prepare her for her career, the role MEEA and energy efficiency play in solving the climate crisis and her advice for students applying for programs and embarking on their own careers.

View the Q&A >

What’s in it for you? Illinois’ sweeping new clean energy law includes a $4,000 rebate on an electric car, up to 10% off on your electric bill and up to $9,000 back on a solar roof.

Illinois’ massive new clean energy bill, signed into law last this month, is a landmark in the state’s battle against climate change: a systematic plan for boosting solar and wind power, getting a million electric cars on the road and phasing out coal and natural gas by 2050.

It’s also an opportunity for consumers to save some cash, analysts say.

Report: Changes Needed To Lower Energy Costs For The Low-Income

High energy costs for lower income families can create a sharp inability to pay and can also lead to negative health outcomes, a study released Thursday by a policy organization stated.

It also issued calls for steps to provide further assistance to households to meet their needs and reduce financial strife.

The study from the Michigan League for Public Policy reported households of up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level face an average shortfall of $1,315 annually between their energy costs and what they can afford to pay.

Since 2018 law, Iowa utilities are doing a lot less to help customers save energy

Iowa’s largest utilities have dramatically scaled back efforts to help customers conserve energy since a 2018 law gutted the state’s efficiency requirements. Dire predictions about the legislation’s impact have largely come true, with combined energy savings of the state’s two largest utilities falling more than 50% since lawmakers voted to limit spending on efficiency programs.

Before Cranking Up the AC, Think of the Energy Burden

Cooling your home is necessary, but groups such as the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance say there are actions you can take to protect others and the environment. The Alliance's Programs Director, Molly Graham, said a lot of it comes down to timing.

"So, maybe around 3 p.m. to 8 or 9, when most people are at home or getting home from work - we're washing dishes, doing laundry, watching TV," said Graham. "So, there are times during the day that put greater stress on the electric grid than other times."