DuPage committee approves nearly $5 million in energy-assistance and weatherization grants

The DuPage County Human Services Committee voted May 20 to accept and appropriate three grants supporting home energy assistance and weatherization programs for program year 2026, totaling $4,966,019.

The committee approved a $974,465 Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program HHS grant, a $568,959 state weatherization grant and a $3,422,595 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) state grant. The committee also accepted an extension of the Department of Energy weatherization program deadline from June 30, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2025.

Chair Conroy called for motions on each item and members voted in favor. For the acceptance and appropriation items, the record shows the committee approved each grant after the motions were moved and seconded and members indicated “aye.” The extension of time for the Department of Energy weatherization grant also passed on a voice vote.

Nut graf: The appropriations fund county-run efforts to reduce home energy costs and to complete weatherization work on eligible homes; an extension for a DOE program will give staff three additional months to finish year‑25 weatherization work.

Committee members asked no substantive follow-up questions on the grant awards during the meeting. The approvals were presented as routine acceptance and appropriation items; no conditions or amendments were recorded.

The grants reference state and federal programs that provide household energy assistance and weatherization services. The committee will implement the funds through its weatherization and energy programs in DuPage County.