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POWER BRIEF
Legislative Newsletter
February 2025
| A monthly roundup of news and top highlights from the Illinois Power Agency | |
Attention mobile users: For best experience, rotate device to landscape mode. | |
TOP INSIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS | |
IPA Releases Part II of its Equity Accountability System Assessment | |
On February 14, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) announced the release of Part II of its Equity Accountability System Assessment, which completes the comprehensive evaluation of statutory Equity Accountability System (EAS) provisions in promoting equity across the clean energy economy.
The Illinois Power Agency Act directs the IPA to establish an Equity Accountability System to ensure that underserved and disadvantaged communities have access to opportunities created by the clean energy economy. The scope of the Equity Accountability System includes the following:
- A minimum equity standard (MES) applicable to the project workforce of companies participating in select IPA programs and procurements;
- A dedicated category within Illinois Shines for solar projects submitted by Equity Eligible Contactors (EECs);
- The availability of an advance of capital, predating project development within the EEC category;
- Equity prioritizations made in competitive procurements;
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The development of an online Energy Workforce Equity Database to link clean energy companies with Equity Eligible Persons (EEPs).
This release concludes the two-part report evaluating the effectiveness of the EAS. The first part, published in August 2024, featured an analysis of the implementation of EAS provisions based on available data collected through the Agency’s programs and procurements, stakeholder interviews, surveys, and other insights.
This second part provides a comprehensive analysis and discussion of Minimum Equity Standard (MES) compliance and gathers insights from the MES Year-End Reports, MES Waivers, workforce demographics, as well as annual reporting data. In addition, the report offers targeted recommendations to the EAS for continued improvement in ensuring its equity-driven impact is made.
To find more on how the Agency is promoting equity across the clean energy economy, please visit the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page on the IPA website.
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IPA’s Clean Energy Dashboard Provides Renewable Energy Development Updates | |
The IPA is responsible for the implementation of Illinois’ Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), which sets ambitious goals to expand the renewable energy generation across the state. With implementation comes a responsibility to provide clear, accessible information about progress back to broader audiences.
Much of the recent expansion of renewable energy in Illinois has come through solar power. Prior to 2017, there were less than 100 MW of solar projects operating in the state, with the largest project at just 10 MW. Presently, Illinois is among the leaders in the Midwest with 3,512 MW of solar capacity energized. Through IPA procurement events, an additional 2,587 MW of utility-scale solar is currently under development.
Illinois also has more than twice as many solar projects than any other Midwestern state, largely due to the success of the Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All programs in promoting smaller projects directly serving retail customers (rooftop and community solar). Since the enactment of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2017, over 76,000 distributed generation (rooftop solar) projects for homes and businesses have been completed, with over 12,000 under development. Meanwhile, 200 community solar projects are already in operation, serving over 36,000 subscribers, with nearly 500 projects under development.
The IPA’s December 2024 Indexed REC procurement was also a step forward in facilitating wind project development. 750 MW of new utility-scale wind projects received REC delivery contract awards. This brought the total supported utility-scale wind project capacity from IPA procurements to over 3,200 MW, with 1,825 MW currently operating and 1,450 MW under development.
To provide more transparency into this progress, the IPA launched the Illinois Clean Energy Dashboard, in October 2024. IPA staff designed the Dashboard to provide a regularly-updated overview of the progress of renewable energy development across the state. The Dashboard uses charts and graphs to visually track renewable energy projects within and outside of the Illinois RPS, and it serves as a tool for users to quickly answer common questions about the state’s growing renewable energy generation.
Launching in 2025, Phase II of the Illinois Clean Energy Dashboard will include interactive dashboards, accessible on desktop and mobile devices.
To explore the Illinois Clean Energy Dashboard, please visit cleanenergy.illinois.gov.
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IPA Releases FY 24 Annual Report | |
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On February 18, the IPA released its Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report. Prepared in accordance with Section 1-125 of the IPA Act, this report meets statutorily mandated reporting requirements and highlights clean energy development in the state. The Annual Report includes an overview of the Agency’s activities, strategic initiatives, notable events, and key accomplishments from FY 24 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024), the second half of the calendar year 2024, and early 2025.
The FY 24 Annual Report details how IPA renewable energy programs and procurements are contributing to clean energy development in Illinois, giving readers valuable insights into the Agency’s progress and vision in putting the state on an upward trajectory toward a clean energy future. The report also features data visualizations and statistics, allowing readers to take a deep dive into the Agency’s work surrounding electricity procurements, carbon mitigation credits, renewable energy development, and equity.
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On March 28 from 12pm – 1pm CST, the IPA will host an educational webinar titled Equity in the Clean Energy Economy: Progress & Challenges. This 60-minute webinar will discuss the progress and challenges around IPA equity initiatives, including Part I and II of the Equity Accountability System Assessment, the Agency’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Advisory Council, the IPA’s upcoming Disparity Study, and more. The webinar will also highlight Illinois Shines’ Mentorship Program and explore the IPA’s outreach efforts targeted at Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs) and small and emerging businesses. Speakers for this webinar include Tanvi Shah, Chief DEI Officer, Illinois Power Agency; Jan Gudell, Associate Director of ILSFA, Elevate; and K.C. Doyle, Fellow/Strategy Lead, Energy Solutions. Registration is required to attend this webinar.
Date: March 28, 2025
Time: 12-1 p.m. CT
REGISTER NOW
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IPA Staff and Program Administrators Present at Clean Energy Equity Summit
Across February 26 and 27, IPA staff and Program Administrators from Illinois Shines and ILSFA presented at the Clean Energy Equity Summit in Springfield, Illinois.
The event provided an opportunity for lawmakers and clean energy companies to hear directly from state agencies such as the IPA, Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) about their successes and challenges in implementing equitable clean energy opportunities across the state.
Presentations from IPA staff and Program Administrators highlighted the Agency’s various equity initiatives targeted at increasing access to the growing clean energy economy for communities that have historically been excluded from such opportunities. This included findings and recommendations from Part I and II of the Equity Accountability Assessment, an in-depth overview on the IPA-administered solar incentive programs, Illinois Shines’ Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC) category, and process for applying for Advance of Capital for EECs to help reduce barriers for eligible small and emerging businesses entering the Program. During the event, DCEO and IFA/Climate Bank highlighted grants and financing opportunities for clean energy projects.
The event also included a networking session for attendees to connect with state legislators and representatives from state agencies such as IPA, IFA, and DCEO.
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IPA Director Presents at Illinois Commerce Commission Resource Adequacy Session
On February 20, IPA Director Brian Granahan presented at the second Illinois Commerce Commission Resource Adequacy Policy Session in Chicago, alongside representatives from Constellation, ComEd, Exelon, MISO, and PJM.
As part of the policy session, Brian presented on a panel titled, “Current Status of Illinois' Nuclear Fleet and the Prospect of Co-Location.” The panel explored Illinois' existing public policy regarding its nuclear fleet and examined the prospect and mechanics of co-locating new load, such as data centers, with existing generation. During the discussion, Brian focused on how Illinois currently supports the continued operation of its nuclear fleet through the Zero Emission Standard and Carbon Mitigation Credit procurement processes.
To see copies of the presentations and a recording of the policy sessions, please visit the Illinois Commerce Commission’s website.
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ILSFA Hosts Bright Neighborhoods “Save with Solar” Workshop
On February 20, Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) Program staff hosted the Bright Neighborhoods “Save with Solar” Workshop. This in-person workshop for residents of Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods provided key information about solar energy and the Bright Neighborhoods initiative. During the event, a representative from the initiative discussed how income-eligible homeowners can save money on their electric bills with affordable solar installations. This meeting was be co-hosted by the NAACP and Austin African American Business Networking Association (AAABNA).
The ILSFA Bright Neighborhoods initiative is designed to increase access to solar energy for income-eligible households in West Garfield Park, Chicago; Waukegan; and the Carbondale-Marion Area, including Jackson, Williamson, and Johnson counties.
To learn more about the initiative, please visit the Bright Neighborhoods webpage on the ILSFA website.
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IPA Hosts Monthly Consumer Protection Working Group for Residents and Businesses
On February 7, Illinois Shines Program Administrator Energy Solutions hosted a monthly Consumer Protection Working Group meeting. During the meeting, the Program Administrator discussed new educational resources aimed at improving consumers’ understanding of Illinois Shines, as well as an overview of the Solar Restitution Program.
The IPA is committed to consumer protection and works diligently to ensure positive experiences for Illinois residents and businesses interested in going solar. As part of that commitment, the Agency hosts these monthly meetings with a diverse set of stakeholders to create a more robust discussion around consumer protection issues. The feedback received helps inform the Agency’s strategies and decisions on a variety of consumer protection issues, including Program requirement updates and new consumer education materials.
To learn about future Consumer Protection Working Group meetings, please visit the Illinois Shines Consumer Protection page.
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Ebony Scott-Anderson
On February 18, Ebony Scott-Anderson joined the IPA as the DEI Partnerships Manager. In this role, she will lead strategic initiatives and partnerships that advance the IPA’s commitment to fostering equity and inclusion in Illinois’ clean energy programs.
Ebony brings over 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. Most recently, she served as External Affairs Director at the Inclusive Economy Lab, where she spearheaded impactful communications, government relations, and community engagement strategies. Her deep expertise in coalition building, program development, and equity-centered leadership will be central to ensuring that the IPA's DEI efforts drive meaningful change for communities across the state.
The Agency is pleased to welcome Ebony to the team.
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