Contact Us
About Us

Energy equity is our mission.

Power Pledge is a nonprofit organization working to empower individuals and communities through accessible, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. Whether it is helping a family save money on their electric bill, assisting a CBO to increase its program revenue, or collaborating with a municipality to access grant funding, Power Pledge is dedicated to sustainable social and economic empowerment FOR ALL.

Environmental Responsibility

We advance clean, renewable energy solutions that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and strengthens the communities most affected by climate change.

Social Inclusivity

Homeowners, renters, communities, and small businesses should all have a real path to energy savings, regardless of income or socioeconomic status.

Economic Empowerment

From utility bill savings to workforce training, we help build financial resilience for individuals and the organizations that serve them.

Education First

We make sure every person understands exactly what they're signing up for.

Power Pledge team and community partners standing near a community solar installation
Our Team

Rooted in the neighborhoods we serve.

Power Pledge works side by side with community-based organizations, local leaders, and residents — because energy equity work only succeeds when it's built with the community, not delivered to it.

We're proud to bring that same on-the-ground approach to every outreach event, training session, and grant-funded initiative we support.

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Bradley Freedman
Executive Director
Bradley brings prior experience in residential solar sales and design, along with a background in event planning for music, art, and culture. He's passionate about restorative justice and about the ways technology can enable real clean energy solutions for communities.
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Nico Clutts
Director of Operations
Nico brings experience in nonprofit management, youth programming development, and advocacy. She helps keep Power Pledge's programs organized, effective, and grounded in the communities they serve.
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Richard Begley
Director of Community Impact
Richard previously worked in finance and capital management and is currently a Licensed Social Worker. He's passionate about providing therapeutic services, strengthening community resiliency, and advancing social and economic equity.
What We Do

Four ways we bring energy equity to more communities.

Community Solar

Enrollment, savings estimates, and eligibility for solar credits with no rooftop panels required.

Explore Community Solar →

Grants Consulting

Grant writing, program design, and project management for clean energy and workforce initiatives.

Explore Grants Consulting →

Community Resiliency

Job training and career pathways that build lasting, local capacity for the clean energy economy.

Explore Community Resiliency →

Blog & Resources

Money-saving tips, energy efficiency guidance, and the latest solar policy news.

Read the Blog →
Our Impact

Building energy equity, one community at a time.

400+
Households connected to community solar
10+
Partner community organizations
$300K+
Directed to local MBEs
$1.29M+
In grant funds secured
The Problem

Most people are overpaying for energy without knowing they have options.

Rising utility bills

Electricity costs keep climbing, but many low-and-moderate income families don't know where to find real savings without a big investment.

Rooftop solar feels complicated

Traditional solar often requires property ownership, expensive installation, complex approvals, and long-term commitments most households can't take on.

Programs are hard to understand

Community solar can help, but enrollment and eligibility rules are often confusing to navigate alone, especially for income-eligible households.

Community Solar · How It Works · No Panels, No Upfront Cost

Solar, without putting anything on your roof.

Calculate My Savings Talk to an Advisor
No upfront cost No rooftop panels Renters may qualify Local solar credits
Sample ComEd Electric Bill
Residential Service · 20% Community Solar Savings
Delivery Services
Customer Charge$10.15
Distribution Facilities Charge$34.20
Transmission Services Charge$18.60
Supply Services
Energy Supply Charge$72.35
Purchased Electricity Adjustment$3.10
Taxes & Fees
State & Municipal Utility Taxes$11.60
Standard Bill Total$150.00
Community Solar Credit (20%)−$30.00
New Total Due$120.00
01

A local solar farm produces clean energy

Solar arrays built in or near your community generate electricity that feeds directly into the regional power grid.

02

You receive credits on your utility bill

As a subscriber, your share of the farm's output is converted into a dollar credit applied straight to your existing electric bill.

03

You save money annually

You keep your current utility provider, but now you pay less, with no equipment to install, own, nor maintain.

Savings Calculator

See what your savings could look like.

Move the slider to match your average monthly electric bill based on annual savings, and let us know if you're enrolled in an assistance program. We'll estimate your savings instantly.

$150
$40$800
No
Not sure
Yes

Programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid, and WAP often unlock deeper community solar discounts. Standard subscribers typically save around 15%; LMI-qualifying subscribers enrolled in an assistance program often save up to 20%. Actual savings depend on your location, utility provider, and program availability — this is an estimate, not a quote.

Estimated Monthly Savings
$23
New estimated bill: $128 / mo
Your new billYour savings
1-Year Savings
$270
5-Year Savings
$1,350
Enroll Now & Start Saving
Eligibility

You may qualify for additional savings.

Some community solar programs reserve subscriptions and deeper discounts for income-eligible households and people already enrolled in assistance programs. Common qualifying programs include:

LIHEAP
SNAP
Medicaid
Federal Public Housing Assistance
TANF
WAP
National School Lunch Program
Veterans Pension Benefits

* Check your eligibility and enrollment status at abe.illinois.gov/access ABE - Application for Benefits Eligibility

Check My Eligibility
Ready When You Are

Clean energy savings shouldn't be complicated.

Power Pledge makes community solar simple, understandable, and accessible for everyone — especially those who need savings the most.

Enroll Now with Nexamp Talk to an Advisor

Ready to sign up? Enrollment is handled securely through our community solar partner, Nexamp. Not sure yet? Use the form and a Power Pledge advisor will help first.

Outreach & Education

We bring community solar to where people already are.

Outreach and education go hand in hand in every community we serve. We meet residents where they are to explain community solar in plain language and manage the enrollment process end to end. We run workshops and produce educational materials so residents know exactly what community solar is and isn't.

  • In-language, in-community outreach events and tabling
  • One-on-one enrollment support, online or in person
  • Partnership pipelines with CBOs, faith groups, and housing authorities
  • Free community workshops on energy bills, solar, and assistance programs
  • Multilingual print and digital materials for CBO partners
  • Train-the-trainer sessions for partner organization staff
Enrollment support1-on-1
Upfront cost to residents$0
Rooftop installation requiredNone
Typical enrollment time< 15 min

Reach out if you want us to do an outreach event in your community.

Request an Outreach Event
Grants Consulting

Grant strategy and project management for clean energy & workforce initiatives.

For municipalities, workforce boards, and fellow community-based organizations: we provide consulting and project management for grant-funded clean energy and workforce development initiatives.

Our Services

End-to-end grant support

We work alongside your team through the full lifecycle of a grant-funded program, from application to execution.

  • Needs assessments and feasibility studies
  • Grant writing and application support
  • Program design and project management for funded initiatives
  • Curriculum design for grant-funded training programs
  • Compliance tracking, reporting, and outcomes measurement
ServicesGrants + PM
ClientsCBOs · Municipalities
Focus areaWorkforce Dev.
EngagementFull lifecycle

Interested in grant consulting or project management support for your organization?

Contact Our Consulting Team
Community Resiliency & Job Training

Building resilient communities through workforce development and sustainability.

Lasting energy equity requires local capacity so we collaborate with community stakeholders to build durable pathways into the clean energy economy, including specialists, enrollment navigators, and program coordinators.

  • Community Energy Navigator training track
  • Solar outreach & enrollment specialist certification
  • Delivered in partnership with workforce boards and grant funders
  • Hands-on, cohort-based learning designed for real job placement
Training formatCohort-based
Funding modelGrant-funded
Career pathwayClean energy sector
Delivered withWorkforce boards

Reach out to us to provide job training at your organization.

Request Job Training
For Organizations

Partner with Power Pledge

We work alongside community-based organizations, municipalities, and workforce boards to bring community solar, education, workforce training, and grant consulting to more neighborhoods. If you serve a community, we'd like to talk.

Become a Partner Email Our Team
Blog & Resources

Pro tips, program guidance, and clean energy policy news.

Practical ways to save on your energy bill today, plus where to follow trustworthy reporting on the solar industry and Illinois energy policy.

Know Your Bill: What's Actually Driving Your Electric Bill?

Every home is different, but these national averages can help you spot where your energy dollars are going. Estimates below assume a typical ComEd residential rate of about $0.16 per kWh — your actual cost depends on your appliance, usage, and local utility rate.

Central Air Conditioning
~3,000–3,500 watts while running
$60–$150
Estimated per month (summer)
Electric Water Heater
~4,000 watts, cycles on/off
$30–$50
Estimated per month
Refrigerator
~150 watts, runs continuously
$8–$15
Estimated per month
Clothes Dryer
~3,000 watts per cycle
$8–$12
Estimated per month (4 loads/wk)
Space Heater
~1,500 watts while running
$30–$70
Estimated per month (regular use)
Dishwasher
~1,200–1,800 watts per cycle
$4–$8
Estimated per month
LED Lighting (whole home)
~8–12 watts per bulb
$3–$6
Estimated per month
Older Incandescent Lighting
~60 watts per bulb
$12–$20
Estimated per month — switching to LED can cut this significantly
TV & Home Electronics
~100–300 watts combined
$5–$10
Estimated per month

Figures above are illustrative national averages, not a bill audit — actual usage, appliance age/efficiency, and local electricity rates all affect your real cost.

Money-Saving Tips

Check LIHEAP eligibility

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help cover heating and cooling costs. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary by state, and your local Community Action Agency can confirm what's available.

Ask about budget billing

Many utilities offer level or "budget" billing that averages your annual usage into equal monthly payments, which helps avoid seasonal spikes.

Look into weatherization assistance

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides free home energy upgrades, including insulation, air sealing, and more, to income-eligible households.

Use utility efficiency rebates

Many utilities offer rebates for ENERGY STAR appliances, smart thermostats, and LED lighting, so check your provider's efficiency program page.

Ask about time-of-use rates

If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, shifting laundry, dishwashing, or EV charging to off-peak hours can meaningfully lower your bill.

Stack community solar credits

Community solar credits work alongside, not instead of, assistance programs and rebates, so you can combine multiple forms of savings.

Industry News & Policy

Stay current with respected, independent sources covering solar policy, utility regulation, and clean energy legislation.

Citizens Utility Board (CUB)
Illinois' independent utility watchdog
Illinois General Assembly
Official source for Illinois energy legislation, including CEJA, in full text.
Solar Energy Industries Association
National solar industry data, market trends, and federal policy tracking.
Canary Media
Independent journalism covering the clean energy transition nationwide.
Illinois Policy Spotlight

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) is Illinois' landmark clean energy law, aimed at moving the state toward 100% clean energy while expanding equity provisions. Legislation and implementation details continue to evolve, so we point you to primary and independent sources rather than summarizing secondhand: see the Illinois General Assembly for the official bill text and the Citizens Utility Board for ongoing consumer-focused analysis.

Get In Touch

Two quick ways to reach us.

Whether you're a household exploring community solar or an organization looking to partner, tell us a bit about what you need.

I'm a Resident / Consumer
I'm an Organization / Municipality
Community Solar

Start with a free savings check.

Fill out the form below to send us your information and we will explore the benefits of community solar for your household.

What happens next?

A Power Pledge advisor will follow up using your preferred contact method, usually within 2 business days, to confirm availability in your area.

Homeowner
Renter
Business
Yes
No
Not sure

Sent!

Organizations & Municipalities

Let's partner up.

Whether you want an outreach event, job training for your team, grant consulting, or a broader partnership — tell us what you're looking for.

What happens next?

A member of our partnerships team will follow up within 2–3 business days to discuss your organization's needs.

Prefer to talk it through?

Email info@powerpledgeproject.org and we'll set up a time.

Community Solar
Outreach Event
Job Training
Grants Consulting
General Partnership
Other

Sent!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

No. Community solar draws power from a shared, off-site solar farm. You don't install, own, or maintain any equipment.

No. There's no cost to enroll and no equipment to purchase. You simply receive a credit on your existing utility bill.

Yes. Since there's no rooftop installation, renters can subscribe as long as they hold the utility account or their provider allows subscription.

You still receive your normal utility bill. A separate line item credits you for your share of the community solar farm's output, lowering your net cost.

Your home stays connected to the regular grid, so your actual electrons come from the standard mix. Your subscription supports solar generation and earns you a bill credit in return.

Yes. Small businesses and nonprofits can subscribe in many of the same programs available to residential customers.

Many programs reserve deeper discounts specifically for households already enrolled in programs like SNAP, LIHEAP, or Medicaid — let us know and we'll check what applies to you.

No. Rooftop solar involves installing panels on your own property. Community solar lets you benefit from a shared, off-site array with no installation required.

Yes, generally with notice to your program provider. Terms vary by program and utility — your advisor will walk you through the specifics before you enroll.

Support Our Work

Help us bring clean energy savings to more households.

Power Pledge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Every gift helps fund community solar outreach, education, workforce training, and grant-supported programs for households and communities who need them most.

Gifts to Power Pledge are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Give by email

Reach out to info@powerpledgeproject.org to arrange your donation.

Give by mail

Power Pledge
1304 Williamsburg Dr.
Northbrook, IL 60062

Tax status

Power Pledge is recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

Federal Tax ID (EIN): 99-0787693