POWER BRIEF

Legislative Newsletter

July 2025

A monthly roundup of news and top highlights from the Illinois Power Agency

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TOP INSIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS

IPA, IEPA, and ICC Begin Resource Adequacy Study

Section 9.15(o) of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Act directs the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), and IEPA to conduct a Resource Adequacy Study that investigates the current and projected status of electric resource adequacy and reliability throughout the State for the period 5 years ahead, and provide proposed solutions predicated upon any findings.

On June 16, the IPA (including its Procurement & Planning Consultant, Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (E3)), ICC, and IEPA conducted a workshop to provide stakeholders with an improved understanding of the process the Agencies will employ to conduct the study, key policy drivers and conditions that will be considered, and the general methodologies expected to be utilized. Further, the workshop outlined the roles of each Agency, expected stakeholder engagement opportunities, and schedule of activities to be completed to meet the December 15, 2025, statutory deadline for report release.

In support of the Resource Adequacy Study development process, the IPA has developed a web page as a central hub to house stakeholder announcements, workshop and other materials, future drafts and final reports, and related information.

Interested parties are also encouraged to sign up for the Resource Adequacy Study email distribution list, which will serve as a primary channel for updates and communications related to the Study.

Illinois Shines Program Launches Escrow Process

On June 26, the IPA and Illinois Shines Program Administrator announced the rollout of a new escrow process for the Illinois Shines solar incentive program. First proposed in the 2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, this new initiative reflects the Agency’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding consumer interests in the growing solar industry of Illinois.

The escrow process is intended to provide a safeguard in cases where an Approved Vendor (AV) fails to make promised pass-through payments to customers. Under the process, Illinois Shines incentive payments will be made to an escrow agent, rather than to the AV. The escrow agent will then issue any promised payments to customers, with the remainder disbursed to the AV. This process was shaped through the stakeholder engagement effort in Fall 2024, and necessary updates were incorporated in the amendment to the REC Contracts earlier this year.

To learn more about the escrow process, please visit the Consumer Protection Initiatives page of the Illinois Shines website. Questions on the escrow process should be directed to the Program Administrator at admin@illinoisshines.com.

While most customers have positive experiences with the Agency’s solar incentive programs, the escrow process underscores the IPA’s commitment to ensure positive experiences for all participants in the Illinois Shines Program.

Illinois Power Agency Releases Latest Homeowner Handout on Solar Loan Financing

On June 27, the IPA released the latest installment in its series of Homeowner Handouts, part of a broader consumer protection initiative aimed at educating homeowners about going solar. The new handout on Solar Loan Financing includes questions to consider, red flags to watch for, and helpful tips for homeowners exploring solar loan options.

A Spanish version of this handout is now available. Additional handouts for this series are currently in development. The full collection of Homeowner Handouts can be accessed from the IPA Publications page.

DID YOU KNOW?

On July 11, the IPA hosted a Power Hour webinar titled, “Load Growth: How is it shaping power markets?”

This educational session provided an overview on load growth while exploring key drivers and impacts of this emerging energy issue. Attendees gained insights into load growth trends nationally and locally. The webinar highlighted challenges and collaborative opportunities for various stakeholders navigating Illinois’ rapidly changing energy landscape.

Featured speakers included IPA Planning & Procurement Bureau Chief Jim Rouland, World Resources Institute U.S. Clean Energy Specialist Ian Goldsmith, The Brattle Group Managing Energy Associate Akhilesh Ramakrishnan, and PJM Interconnection Executive Director of Government Services Jason Stanek.

More than 130 people registered, with 89 attending the webinar live. For those who could not attend, the webinar recording and presentation materials are available on the IPA Events page.

Staff Spotlight

Caleigh Andrews

On July 16, Caleigh Andrews joined the IPA as Renewables Analyst II. In this role, she focuses on managing and analyzing renewable energy markets while supporting the renewable energy procurement efforts. Her work also includes tracking and modeling Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) procurement progress and supporting the development of the Agency’s renewable energy procurement plans.

Prior to joining the Agency, Caleigh worked as an analyst and modeler at the International Energy Agency in Paris, contributing to the World Energy Outlook and authoring multiple publications on domestic and international energy markets. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, and International Affairs from Georgetown University and a master's degree in International Energy from the Paris School of International Affairs.