Energy Savings Study Service

The Illinois government authority is seeking a vendor to provide an energy savings study service. This study aims to build upon original research demonstrating that softened water improves the performance and longevity of household water heaters, fixtures, and appliances while reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. The agency needs to quantify the energy efficiency and operational performance of gas storage, electric storage, and instantaneous gas water heaters operated with variable total hardness concentrations. The scope of work requires assessing the impact of water hardness on scale buildup, maintenance requirements, and appliance longevity. The selected vendor must evaluate the performance degradation of low-flow showerheads, faucets, dishwashers, and laundry washers under variable total hardness concentrations. Additionally, the project covers calculating the differential carbon footprint associated with variable total hardness concentrations in residential settings and providing updated economic models for life-cycle costs and maintenance implications. Eligible bidders must be onshore organizations based in the United States. The agency requires the performance of all work to be conducted offsite. Bidders must submit a Notice of Intent no later than June 15, 2026, and the agency will accept digital responses via email or online submission. The agency has signaled a budget of up to 250,000 USD for this project.