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Power Pulse!
A quarterly newsletter featuring the latest news and information
from the Illinois Power Agency.
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Our vision is to provide a clean, reliable, equitable, and cost-effective
energy future for residents and businesses across Illinois.
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| Attention mobile users: For best experience, rotate device to landscape mode. | | 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 EAS 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;
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 MES compliance and gathers insights from the MES Year-End Reports, MES Waivers, and 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 learn more about how the Agency is promoting equity across the clean energy economy, please visit the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page on the IPA website.
| Track the Progress of Renewable Energy Development in Illinois | |
Over the last decade, solar power has driven much of the recent expansion of renewable energy in Illinois. Prior to 2017, there were less than 100 MW of solar projects operating in the state, with the largest project at just 10 MW. Today, Illinois is among the leaders in the Midwest with 3,512 MW of solar capacity energized and an additional 2,587 MW of utility-scale solar currently under development through IPA procurement events.
Illinois also boasts 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 rooftop and community solar projects. 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 serving over 36,000 subscribers are already in operation, with nearly 500 projects under development.
In terms of wind projects, the IPA’s December 2024 Indexed REC procurement was a step forward in facilitating additional development. Under the procurement event, 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.
Users can now track the state’s renewable energy development through the Illinois Clean Energy Dashboard. Launched in October 2024, this tool provides a regularly-updated overview of renewable energy progress across Illinois. The Dashboard uses charts and graphs to visually track renewable energy projects within and outside of the Illinois RPS, serving as a resource for users to quickly answer common questions about the state’s growing renewable energy generation.
| | IPA Releases FY 24 Annual Report | |
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.
| IPA Plans Two Adjustments to Indexed REC Procurement Process Starting in Summer 2025 | |
The IPA conducts Indexed REC procurements twice annually to support the development of utility-scale wind, utility-scale solar, and brownfield site photovoltaic projects. While the IPA has had significant success in attracting robust participation from utility-scale solar developers, maximizing participation for the utility-scale wind and brownfield site photovoltaic project categories has proven more challenging.
One pain point for developers of these large renewable energy projects is the rigidity of Indexed REC contract awards. Contracts are awarded at the fixed “Strike Price” at which the entity bids in a competitive procurement event. But as market conditions change, that offered price may prove insufficient to cover project development, construction, operation, and maintenance costs. To introduce more flexibility into the Indexed REC process and avoid contract defaults, the IPA initiated a Downstream Negotiation for Indexed REC Contracts workshop process. These workshops, conducted across the second half of 2024, explored whether an Indexed REC contract post-award negotiation process may be finalized for inclusion in a compliance filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
Based on the feedback received from workshop participants, on January 17, 2025, the IPA released a draft proposal for stakeholder feedback on two proposed improvements to the Indexed REC procurement process to be implemented in future competitive procurements, starting with the Summer 2025 Indexed REC procurement event. In the draft proposal, the IPA sought stakeholder feedback on these two improvements: (1) developing an inflation adjustment mechanism which bidders may elect to adopt during the competitive procurement process; and (2) developing a mechanism by which sellers can initiate a one-time change to REC delivery obligations under their Indexed REC contract.
On February 19, the IPA filed the downstream negotiation proposal with the ICC. The filing details these two planned adjustments.
| Roof Repairs Unlock Solar Savings for a Homeowner | Video: Homeowner Gerald Jones talks about his experience with ILSFA's Home Repairs and Upgrades initiative. | |
Gerald Jones, a homeowner in Chicago’s West Chesterfield neighborhood, participated in Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) to save money on his electric bills. Jones received roof repairs by participating in ILSFA’s Home Repairs and Upgrades initiative to make his home solar-ready, which paved the way for his solar installation. The Home Repairs and Upgrades initiative connects residents with available funding opportunities to make homes solar-ready.
“The enrollment process was very easy. All I had to do was sit down and take my time and read,” said Jones. “With the help of the [ILSFA team], they walked me right through it.”
Hear more from Gerald about his experience with ILSFA!
| | IPA Publishes Consumer Protection Resources for Considering On-Site Solar | | |
The IPA is committed to consumer protection and works diligently to ensure positive experiences for Illinois residents and businesses seeking to go solar. As part of its commitment to education and awareness, the IPA has launched its Homeowner Handout Series with the release of two new consumer protection resources:
Illinois Shines Homeowner Handout – Selecting a Solar Company: Green and Red Flags
Illinois Solar for All Homeowner Handout – Selecting a Solar Company: Green and Warning Flags
As the first handouts in this series, each resource is intended to promote best practices for going solar through its respective IPA-administered solar incentive program, one specific to Illinois Shines and the other to ILSFA. Additionally, these resources provide clear and accurate information to consumers so they can make well-informed decisions about going solar. This includes tips for researching companies, comparing estimates, and asking questions, as well as information about how to file a complaint. The resources are also designed to help prospective solar customers spot red flags of misleading, deceptive, or pressurized practices, to compare offers using Disclosure Forms, and to select a trustworthy solar company.
The IPA maintains a strong and comprehensive approach to consumer protection. The Agency and its Program Administrators ensure that all registered solar companies participating in Illinois Shines and ILSFA abide by consumer protection and program requirements. IPA consumer protection efforts not only protect consumers from misleading and unfair business practices but also educate and empower consumers so that they can have a positive experience with solar energy.
Stay tuned for forthcoming Homeowner Handouts for information on solar loans, as well as information on buying or selling a house with an Illinois Shines or ILSFA solar project installed. The handouts above, and other consumer protection resources, can be found on the IPA Publications webpage.
| | External Events Featuring IPA Speakers | |
IPA Staff and Program Administrators Present at Clean Energy Equity Summit | Above: Attendees listen to a presentation at the Clean Energy Equity Summit in Springfield, IL. | |
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, the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA), and the 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’ 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.
| IPA Director Presents at Illinois Commerce Commission Resource Adequacy Policy 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 website.
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Ebony Scott-Anderson, DEI Partnerships Manager
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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Misbah Arshad, Data Analytics Unit Fellow
On March 3, Misbah Arshad began her IPA Fellowship. Misbah brings a wealth of experience in international development, museum advancement, and data management. Most recently, she earned a Master of Public Policy, with a focus in data programming, program evaluation, and competitive strategy. Previously, Misbah served as the Impact Associate for the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation and as an Annual Fund Specialist at the Henry Ford Museum. Her expertise in applied data impacts make Misbah a great addition to the Agency’s Data Analytics Unit.
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William Webster, Data Analytics Unit Fellow
On March 3, William Webster began his IPA Fellowship. William’s expertise in storytelling through data analysis and visualization. Most recently, William earned a Bachelor of Arts in Data Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. Previously, William served as a Data Consultant for Big Data at Berkely, a student organization that provides data science education to high school students and data science consulting to clients. His expertise in data visualizations and narratives make William a great addition to the Agency’s Data Analytics Unit.
| | | Register for IPA Power Hour 1—Equity in the Clean Energy Economy: Progress & Challenges | | |
On March 28 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. 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 DEI Advisory Council, the IPA Racial Disparity Study, and more. The webinar will also highlight how equity initiatives like Illinois Shines' Mentorship Program provides support services for EECs navigating Program requirements. Additionally, the webinar will explore how various stakeholders in the sector are utilizing their outreach strategies to help EECs, Equity Eligible Persons, and small and emerging businesses access the benefits of Illinois’ clean energy economy.
Speakers for this webinar include Tanvi Shah, Chief DEI Officer, Illinois Power Agency; Jan Gudell, Associate Director of ILSFA, Elevate; K.C. Doyle, Fellow/Strategy Lead, Energy Solutions; and Marion Jones, Vice President of Workforce Development & DEI Justice, Nexamp.
Registration is required to attend this webinar.
Date: March 28, 2025
Time: 12-1 p.m. CT
REGISTER NOW
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