Eligible Illinois Properties Can Get $8K Per Charger Through ComEd’s EV Make-Ready Rebate Program

There is a reason more and more business and public entities are looking into electric vehicles (EV) and charging infrastructure. Incentive programs allow businesses the opportunity to significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle noise in the community. 

The ComEd Make-Ready Rebate Program has earmarked $30 Million for Illinois businesses and public sector customers to electrify their properties —including rebates on electric fleet vehicles and make-ready charging infrastructure!

By investing in EV charging infrastructure, property owners and operators can help Illinois create a clean energy future for all. If you are contemplating installing EV chargers and keen to learn how much you could be eligible for, do not waste any time and contact us.

What is included in the rebate?

Make-ready infrastructure includes costs required to make the site ready for EV charging on both sides of the ComEd meter. Examples of eligible costs include, but are not limited to, permits, electric panel upgrades, conduit, wiring, site work, trenching and repair, required protective equipment, and associated labor. EV chargers, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), and mounting equipment/pedestals are not eligible for program rebates. The Program includes i) infrastructure serving Level 2 (L2) chargers, and ii) DCFCs or Level 3 chargers. 

For infrastructure serving Level 2 (L2) Chargers 

Yes, SWTCH offers Level 2 Chargers!

Base Rebate: Make-ready rebate of up to $5,333 per charger ( with a 10-charger maximum).

Eligible Customer Rebate: Make-ready rebate of up to $8,000 per charger ( with a 10-charger maximum).
*For many installations, the average per charger make-ready installation cost is less than $8,000, meaning that all of the electrical, panel upgrades and labor to install the chargers could be fully covered.

• Eligible customers are those who:
  • Live in a low-income community and/or primarily serve in a low-income community.
    *Refers to where the vehicles are permanently assigned, most frequently used, or dispatched from.
  • Live in an Environmental Justice (“EJ”) community or a Restore, Reinvest, Renew (“R3”) community, collectively referred to as an Equity Investment Eligible Community (“EIEC”), and/or predominantly service in an EIEC.
  • Demonstrates through attestation that over 50% of the driving done by the vehicle at issue is in a low-income community or EIECs.
  • Are from the Chicago Transit Authority and seeking rebates for transit buses.

For infrastructure serving Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFCs or Level 3 Chargers)

Yes, SWTCH offers DCFC or Level 3 Chargers!

Base Rebate: Make-ready rebate of up to $667 per kW with a minimum of 50 kW (maximum rebate of $500,000).

Eligible Customer Rebate: Make-ready rebate of up to $1,000 per kW, with a minimum of 50 kW (maximum rebate of $500,000).

Rebates are limited and will be provided to customers on a first-come, first-served basis according to the completed application date and relevant eligibility criteria. Restrictions apply; refer to full program details and set of eligibility requirements in the Program’s Terms & Conditions. You may also be eligible for other state and federal incentives.

If you are a customer with multiple accounts tied to different sites, please submit one application for each metered account. 

What are the requirements?

• Multifamily properties with 3 units or more may qualify (refer to our Residential EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program for properties with two units or less)
• To receive the highest rebate, customers must be an eligible customer or attest that over 50% of the driving done by vehicles served by the charging infrastructure will be in a low-income, environmental justice, or restore, reinvest, and renew community. 
• The following supplemental application documentation are required to apply for a rebate: 
  • Contractor invoice with project details.
  • If the project involves an EV charging station operator:
    • A scope of information regarding cybersecurity practices that aligns with what ComEd asks of our vendors.
  • If the project is for public chargers (chargers intended for public use): 
    • Attestation that the customer has performed public outreach in the development of the proposed project.  

For more information, visit the ComEd Clean Energy Website.

When and how should I apply?

Program rebates for the Make-Ready Rebate Program are offered until approved annual Program funds are exhausted or the end of the Program term on December 31, 2025, whichever comes first. 

Upon the Program launch date (February 15, 2024), customers who completed qualifying projects between June 1, 2023, and February 15, 2024, will have until May 15, 2024, to apply for a rebate for their project. To apply, visit the ComEd Clean Energy website.

ComEd is working on establishing a process in 2024 that will enable pre-approved rebate vouchers for qualified make-ready projects, in order to secure project funds early in the project.

Don’t let this limited-time opportunity pass you by – if you are keen on bringing EV charging to your property and would like to apply for funding, contact SWTCH today!

Who is SWTCH?

Whether it is apartment, condominium, affordable or market-rate housing, SWTCH is here to help. Through our turnkey EV charging solution, we’re here every step of the way; from system design, electrical sizing, incentive application support, all the way to installation and 24/7/265 support for you and your EV drivers.

At SWTCH, we leverage state-of-the-art technology to help building owners and operators deploy optimized multi-vehicle charging systems. SWTCH’s solution utilizes the building’s existing grid infrastructure to deploy a cost-effective charging system that works for your EV drivers today and smoothly scales to support the charging demand in the future. To learn more about SWTCH, check out our multifamily, workplace, and retail/public EV charging solutions.

We can also help you navigate the complexities of incentive applications and ensure your filing meets the high-quality standards of a successful bid. Get in touch today to learn how you can take advantage of this rebate and opportunity to add EV charging to your property.