BATAVIA LAUNCHES ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM FUNDED BY SINGLE-USE BAG FEE

BATAVIA, IL. (June 13) — Applications open June 16, 2025, for Batavia’s new Grants for Residential Energy Efficiency in Neighborhoods -- GREEN Program, which offers selected residents free home energy audits and grants for eco-friendly home upgrades funded entirely by the City’s 10-cent single-use bag fee. 

Residents must apply by July 18 to be considered for the first round of up to 25 free home energy audits and improvements. Applicants must be in good standing with the City and meet all eligibility requirements. Apply at bataviail.gov/energyaudit.  

Batavia-based Sustained Ability Construction will conduct the energy audits and administer the program. If a resident is selected, residents will be able to choose their own contractors to complete approved improvements. Standard income residents are eligible for up to $1,000, and low-income residents can receive up to $3,000 for improvements.  

“This program directly benefits Batavia citizens by providing free energy audits and subsidizing home energy upgrades equitably. This makes Batavia more energy efficient and resilient to a changing climate,” said Alex Zelles, chairperson of the Batavia Environmental Commission. "While our primary goal in establishing the single-use bag fee was to significantly decrease the amount of single-use and plastic waste in our community, a secondary goal was to use any fees collected to offset the associated environmental cost. This program does just that, and we encourage all Batavia residents to apply.” 

The 10-cent bag fee applies to retailers over 5,000 square feet and is designed to discourage the use of single use plastic and paper bags. Of the fee collected per bag, 6 cents go into a City-managed sustainability fund, and 4 cents are retained by businesses to cover administrative costs. 

Since July 2023, the bag fee has generated more than $324,000, all of which has been reinvested in programs that reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the city’s natural environment. 

Programs funded with the Single Use Bag Fee include: 

• GREEN Program: 25 residents who meet the qualifications can receive free energy audits valued at $1,200. Based on household income, participants may also qualify for grants of $1,000 or $3,000 for upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and energy-efficient appliances. 

• Naturalized Stormwater Basins: Projects to restore natural waterways by removing invasive vegetation, planting native species, improving water quality, stabilizing soil, and enhancing wildlife habitats. 

• Parkway Tree Planting: In spring 2025, 73 new trees were planted using $10,950 in bag-fee revenue. This program significantly reduced costs for residents by funding a 75% discount on tree purchases, while improving air quality, stormwater absorption, and neighborhood beautification. Learn more at bataviail.gov/parkwaytrees .