search foreclosure properties, scout 'em out for a few days, see which one is most accessible, low key, etc. As far as electricity goes some firms leave it on some don't. I wouldn't suggest rigging it if you don't know what you are doing and here you can get serious jail if you jump the meter and they find you. I am pretty sure almost every foreclosure in CHI would be winterized but, that is good that means they probably are going to be empty for a while, if you are looking long term. Be careful squatting the apartment blocks as investors often snoop around those areas. If you are concerned about keeping warm, if I can find it I had an old how-to on rigging space heaters to batteries. I'll look around.