CNT Energy is a division of the Center for Neighborhood Technology. Since 1978, Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) has been a leader in promoting urban sustainability—the more effective use of existing resources and community assets to improve the health of natural systems and the wealth of people, today and in the future. CNT is a creative think-and-do tank that combines rigorous research with effective solutions. CNT works across disciplines and issues, including transportation and community development, energy, natural resources, and climate change.

CNT Energy is a non-profit organization helping consumers and communities obtain the information and services they need to control energy costs. Areas of focus include building performance and energy efficiency, real-time electricity pricing, climate change analysis, and regional energy planning.

Building Performance Monitoring

CNT Energy is analyzing the quantitative benefits of green buildings. One product of this analysis is Visualizing CNT- a web-based tool to display building performance. The interactive visualization tool displays energy use intensity, carbon emissions and water use. Phase II will display the quantitative impacts of on-site stormwater management, carbon emission reductions related to employee commuting, and solar energy use.

When quantitative data is presented in a clear visual format, viewers become engaged in how the building operates and are able to take action to help the building achieve its performance goals. Building managers use the tool to improve building performance and set energy reduction targets. Additionally, the site functions as an educational tool for building occupants and visitors, helping them understand how their behavior affects building performance.

Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Retrofits

CNT Energy offers a one-stop energy efficiency shop for owners of multi-family rental buildings called Cook County Energy Savers. It’s designed to help buildings owners invest in greater energy efficiency. Cook County Energy Savers offers:

• Complete energy assessments
• Financing
• Assistance coordinating tax benefits and energy credits
• Construction oversight and bid package review
• Annual reports on energy performance

Real-Time Electricity Pricing

CNT Energy is a leader in developing and implementing successful real-time electricity pricing programs for residential customers. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and communities manage their energy costs, CNT Energy designs programs that produce benefits for consumers, the environment, and the electrical system as a whole.

Power Smart Pricing is a real-time electricity pricing program for residential customers served by Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS and AmerenIP). CNT Energy provides information, services and tools to help program participants manage their electricity costs with real-time pricing.