About CE$

In 2009, the City of Cleveland allocated $550,000 of US Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds to plan and conduct a pilot program for residential homeowners throughout the City.  This pilot, now known as the Cleveland Energy $aver program (CE$), has developed into one of the most the most comprehensive home energy assessment programs in the country today.

CE$ is designed to offer Cleveland homeowners a technical home energy assessment which will identify specific options for reducing home energy consumption.  Of the households audited, CE$ will engage the first 100 to commit to improving their homes with the suggestions contained in the assessment.

Typical home energy upgrades shall include measures such as installing new or additional insulation (cellulose and two-part or closed cell foam), the repair or replacement of existing efficient furnaces with 95% plus units, installing energy efficient upgrades such as air conditioning units, CFL or LED lighting, high efficiency water conservation devices, air sealing and weatherstripping, the purchase and installation of Energy Star appliances, and the replacement of doors and windows.

CE$ will provide homeowners with a 20% discount on the price-approved measures, up to $2,500.  The remainder of the cost can be financed by a 2.3% loan with flexible financing and payment terms made available through Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH).  After the work is completed, the homeowner will receive a check in the mail from CE$, up to $1,250, depending on which improvements were made.

Because similar programs already exist for lower-income residents, CE$ is targeted to middle- and upper-income households making 200% or more above 2012 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a two-person household would need to have a combined annual income of at least $29,420 to qualify for the program.  (A full table of poverty levels is available at http://tinyurl.com/6hh63a)

Ultimately, CE$ seeks to achieve simplified financing, little to no up-front costs, and support services to effectively overcome the barriers to move homeowners to implement energy efficiency improvements.

Program Partners

Cleveland Housing Network

Cleveland Housing Network’s mission is to develop affordable housing for low- and moderate-income Clevelanders with a special emphasis on generating pathways out of poverty and providing homeownership opportunities.

The Cleveland Housing Network is the largest energy conservation provider in Northeast Ohio. Each year we complete 7,000 in-home audits and safety inspections, free of charge, to low-income families.
 We have extensive partnerships with Dominion, First Energy Corp., Cleveland Public Power, the City of Cleveland, the State of Ohio and the U.S. Department of Energy, Health and Human Services. Our programs include Housewarming, Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), Electric Partnership Program (EPP), Community Connections, Water Conservation and Water Repair Programs.
 These programs are coordinated to ensure comprehensive assistance and ease of use for consumers. When a consumer applies for any one of these programs, they are reviewed for eligibility in all of our conservation and weatherization programs—ultimately helping them save up to 50% on their utility bills while reducing their impact on the environment. 

Our home audits and safety inspections can result in:

• Home insulation
• Energy Star appliances
• Energy efficient lighting
• Water repairs and water-saving devices
• Other repairs related to health, safety, and energy efficiency
• Carbon monoxide alarms

For more information, go to the energy conservation and weatherization page that fits your needs. If you are unsure which program best meets your needs, simply fill out any one application that best fits your needs we will review your eligibility for all energy conservation and weatherization programs we offer.

CASH

The Cleveland Action to Support Housing (CASH) formed as a non-profit in the late 1970s. Our mission is to encourage the revitalization of Cleveland’s neighborhoods. We achieve our mission through repair and/or rehabilitation lending. CASH collaborates with local lenders, making it easier for you to improve your home or property with a low interest rate. We will also assist in qualifying contractors and determining a fair price for home repairs.

Office of Sustainability/EECBG

The Energy$aver Pilot Program is funded through the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). A program of the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), the EECBG Program is intended to assist U.S. cities, counties, states, territories and Indian tribes to develop, promote, implement, and manage energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs designed to:

• Reduce fossil fuel emissions
• Reduce the total energy use of the eligible entitities
• Improve energy efficiency in the transportation, buildng and other appropriate sectors
• Create & retain jobs

Find more information about the EECBG Program.

Office of Sustainability

The City of Cleveland Office of Sustainability was established in May 2005 to help save the City money and reduce its ecological footprint. The Office of Sustainability leads and empowers Cleveland to be a global leader in urban sustainable living, commerce, operations and community. This is achieved by developing and implementing policies and practices with City departments to embrace a culture of sustainability. The office also collaborates with the community to create a city that improves the economic, environmental and social well-being of its citizens.

Find more information on Cleveland’s Office of Sustainability.

LAND studio

LAND studio was formed in 2011 through the merger of Cleveland Public Art (CPA) and ParkWorks, two of Cleveland's leading non-profit organizations focused on enhancing public spaces. This new organization was officially launched on January 9, 2012.

LAND studio's mission is to create places and connect people through public art, sustainable building and design, collaborative planning, and dynamic programming. We do this by bringing together artists, designers, and members of the community to implement projects that become part of the fabric of our city, and by developing innovative ideas through objective, inclusive public conversations and planning efforts. We also advocate, fundraise, educate, and provide resources to help create vibrant, textured places.