CHICAGO, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program today announced the winners of its first-ever Chicagoland Contractor Challenge. The competition awarded prizes in two categories – residential and non-residential – to contractors who increased participation in the program, which offers rebates for installing energy efficient heating equipment and attic insulation. Contractors with the most approved rebate applications between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2010, were awarded cash prizes up to $1,500.
“We’re recognizing contractors who not only helped Chicago residents save money on heating equipment and attic insulation, but also stay warm this winter,” said Meena Beyers, representative, Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program. “The Chicagoland Contractor Challenge provided the perfect opportunity for program contractors to shine.”
The first place winner in the residential category is Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning. Since the program began in 2008, the company has been actively involved with raising awareness of the rebates it offers to Chicago residents. This year, Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning also utilized its Facebook page to announce the available incentives. Runners-up in the residential category include Insu Tech Insulation and Steinhardt Builders, Inc.
“Winning the Chicagoland Contractor Challenge is the result of our commitment to educating customers on the benefits of the program,” said Ricardo Matias, graphic designer, Four Seasons Heating and Air Conditioning. “For the past three years, our sales department has become well-versed in all facets of the program in an effort to help our customers save money.”
The winner in the non-residential category is Steinhardt Builders. Through targeted outreach and word-of-mouth referrals, the company secured the most rebate application approvals by commercial organizations. R.A. Shavitz, Inc. and Hill Mechanical Group are second and third place non-residential winners, respectively.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that our company won the top prize in the non-residential category,” said Eli Steinhardt, owner, Steinhardt Builders. “Achieving the most approved rebate applications from commercial businesses required hard work and dedication, but we were up for the challenge.”
Open to all contractors who work with the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program, the competition was intended to increase rebate submissions. In addition to a monetary incentive, each winning contractor will be featured on the program website and highlighted in a case study.
To date, the program has given more than $2 million in rebates to participants. The program has also saved more than 800,000 therms of natural gas and prevented approximately 7.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere since 2008.
The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program offers natural gas rebates up to $850, which vary according to the project. By visiting www.ChicagolandRebates.com, homeowners can obtain all the necessary information they need to select the right project and qualifying equipment, hire a contractor and submit their application for a rebate.
About the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program
Funded by the ratepayers of Peoples Gas through a line item on the bill called the Enhanced Efficiency Program, the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program offers rebates to customers, encouraging them to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes, apartments and businesses. The Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program is managed by Peoples Gas, the Citizens Utility Board, the City of Chicago Department of Environment, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Consumers may apply for rebates and tax credits through the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program website at www.ChicagolandRebates.com.