Regional Energy Planning : Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT)

Regional Energy Planning

As communities and counties grow, there is a substantial increase in the demand for energy. Managing the load puts stress on publicly funded infrastructure. CNT Energy conducts a unique analysis of current population and land use data, future population and land use projections, and infrastructure and consumer energy usage data, offering technical assistance to help local governments plan for the energy needs of growing communities and develop energy efficiency strategies for managing growing energy demands.

Kane County Energy Solutions is an example of CNT’s approach to energy planning. CNT Energy, then the Community Energy Cooperative, coordinated the project and produced the Kane County Energy Plan (released in 2005) in cooperation with the Kane County Departments of Development and GIS Technologies, ComEd, and an advisory committee of local stakeholders.

CNT Energy’s energy planning services include energy and land use research and analysis and recommendations for incorporating energy policy into existing policies and zoning ordinances. The Cooperative also offers training and educational materials for planners, plan examiners, code enforcement officials, and elected officials.

Learn more at http://www.cntenergy.org/kane-county-energy-solutions.php.

Projects

CNT Energy is part of a team assessing the carbon dioxide emissions of Chicago and the region, and developing strategies to reduce emissions.

Building off the Kane County Energy Plan, CNT Energy advocates the critical importance of planning for the changing energy environment and infrastructure needs in growing communities.

CNT’s LEED-Platinum building is being used as a model and demonstration project to help others learn more about how to build the next generation of energy-efficient, cost-effective buildings.

The ISGI is a public-private working group formed to engage Illinoisans in examining the nature and potential benefits of a modernized electric grid, and to map a policy path for achieving those benefits for consumers and the economy.

Tools

Visualizing CNT is a Web-based tool to display energy use intensity, carbon emissions and water use.

CNT Energy is a leader in developing and implementing successful real-time energy pricing programs for residential customers. We provide information, services, and tools to help manage electricity costs. For more information, see:

Power Smart Pricing for Ameren Illinois Utilities customers

The Watt Spot for ComEd customers.

This is a one-stop shop for owners of multi-family rental buildings with suggestions for energy efficient construction strategies and appliances for their properties.