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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. | | Illinois Commerce Commission Approves 1.58 GW of Renewable Energy Projects | |
On December 16, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the results of the Illinois Power Agency (IPA)'s Fall 2025 Indexed REC procurement event for RECs from utility-scale solar, utility-scale wind, and brownfield site photovoltaic projects in Illinois. Following the ICC approval, contracts were awarded to support the development of 1.58 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable generation from four utility-scale wind projects (1,100 MW) and two utility scale solar projects (488 MW). This action marks another step forward in the state’s renewable energy development.
The Agency’s procurement administrator, NERA Economic Consulting, issued the Fall 2025 Utility-Scale Wind/Hydropower, Utility-Scale Solar and Brownfield Photovoltaic RFP on behalf of the IPA to procure 2,963,078 RECs to be delivered annually from new utility-scale wind projects, new hydropower projects at an existing dam, or modernized or retooled hydropower projects at an existing dam; 666,666 RECs to be delivered annually from new utility-scale solar projects; and 176,271 RECs delivered annually from new brownfield site photovoltaic projects. The quantity of RECs procured exceeded the target for both utility-scale solar and utility-scale wind, indicating continued growth in statewide renewable energy development. No projects were selected in the Brownfield site photovoltaic category. Additionally, two of the winning projects are proposed to be located at least 50% within an Energy Transition Community Grant Area.
The IPA’s preliminary analysis shows that the Fall 2025 Indexed REC procurement achieved full market participation, enabling the successful development of new renewable projects throughout the state. Despite recent market challenges, REC strike prices for this event were comparable to Summer 2025 Indexed REC procurement event prices, inching up a tad but still demonstrating the resilience of Illinois’ renewable energy market. While the IPA anticipates that REC strike prices may increase in response to changes in the federal renewable energy landscape, the Agency has implemented two mechanisms to help address challenges stemming from recent market volatility, starting with the summer 2025 procurement: a one-time, post-award Annual Quantity Adjustment Mechanism and a one-time, post-award Inflation Adjustment Mechanism. These measures should help ensure some stability and predictability for project developers.
Overall, the success of the Fall 2025 Indexed REC procurement event highlights continued growth of Illinois’ renewable energy development. By facilitating new projects and encouraging robust market participation, the IPA continues to remain committed to renewable energy development in the state. The IPA will continue to monitor market trends to ensure the ongoing success of its renewable energy programs and procurements.
| IPA Director Recognized as 2025 Community Solar Champion | |
On October 30, The Coalition for Community Solar Access honored IPA Director Brian Granahan as a 2025 Community Solar Champion, recognizing his leadership in expanding and accelerating community solar in Illinois. Brian joins 11 other leaders nationwide acknowledged for their exceptional leadership to advancing affordable, reliable, and locally generated energy.
“During a time when advancing accessible renewable energy is more important than ever, I’m honored to be recognized as a 2025 Community Solar Champion,” said IPA Director Brian Granahan. “This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our staff, stakeholders, and Program Administrators under the broader vision of the state’s clean energy goals.”
Illinois has consistently been recognized as a national model for community solar. To date, the IPA’s solar incentive programs – Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All (ILSFA) – have supported 238 energized community solar projects, serving over 50,000 subscribers, with 510 community solar projects currently under development. These efforts support Illinois’ renewable energy goals of 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
As of September 2025, IPA programs and procurements have supported over 100,000 total new renewable energy projects representing 12,000 MW, spanning solar for residents and businesses, community solar, and utility-scale solar and wind projects.
To read the official Agency press release, please visit the IPA website.
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IPA, ICC, and IEPA Issue 2025 Resource Adequacy Study | |
In accordance with Section 9.15(o) of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, the IPA, the ICC, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) released their joint 2025 Resource Adequacy Study (RA Study) on December 15, assessing the current and projected electric resource adequacy and reliability throughout Illinois across the period ahead.
About the Resource Adequacy Study
This analysis draws upon extensive research, modeling, and data review, including:
- Information from Regional Transmission Organizations (MISO and PJM)
- Utility-provided data from ComEd and Ameren
- Public data sources and reports
- Proprietary modeling conducted by Energy and Environment Economics (E3) on behalf of the Agencies
- Stakeholder feedback gathered through two virtual workshops (June 16 and October 8, 2025), each followed by a request for written feedback responding to targeted topical and policy questions
The resultant Resource Adequacy Study includes three core components:
Each can be accessed using the links above. Key takeaways from the RA Study include the following:
- There are resource adequacy challenges in PJM and MISO which are likely to affect the costs and reliability of electricity supply for Illinois businesses and consumers.
- There are pathways for Illinois to achieve its climate goals in the electricity sector while ensuring a reliable electric grid, using available commercialized technologies.
- Illinois has the responsibility, authority, and policy tools to conduct planning, identify solutions, and support implementing actions to address these challenges.
Additional Releases and Stakeholder Engagement
In addition to the release of the comprehensive RA Study Report, the Agencies also published a comprehensive set of data files on December 22, providing the underlying inputs, assumptions, and modeling datasets used to produce the Resource Adequacy Study results. These materials are available on the Resource Adequacy Study web page, organized into a dedicated section for stakeholders to access and download.
The Agencies will host a stakeholder workshop in late January 2026 presenting the findings of the Resource Adequacy Study. That workshop will also outline next steps in support of the next phases of the study as defined in Section 9.15(o) of the IEPA Act, including the process and timeline associated with the development of a mitigation plan. Following the workshop, the Agencies will open a new request for stakeholder feedback.
Additionally, recently-passed Senate Bill 25 directs the ICC (in consultation with the IPA and other agencies) to develop a comprehensive Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) that “addresses any resource adequacy challenges in the 5 years immediately following approval of the plan, while also taking into account the 10 years following the plan.” To facilitate solutions, the ICC may “order changes to existing programs, direct specific actions within existing programs including the authorization to support the expansion of an existing program.” Because the activities associated with the RA Study and the IRP are so closely linked, the Resource Adequacy Study provides a foundational analysis that will feed into and support IRP development throughout 2026.
To learn more, visit the Resource Adequacy Study web page on the IPA website and subscribe to the Resource Adequacy Study email distribution list.
| | IPA Shares Resources on Claiming Tax Credits With Elective Pay | | |
In November 2025, the IPA launched an Elective Pay web page which detailed how some eligible tax-exempt organizations like local governments, public schools, and nonprofits could receive a reimbursement for up to 30% of their clean energy project costs. Resources on this page are meant to help ensure that entities across Illinois can leverage federal tax credits prior to expiration.
The IPA invited eligible tax-exempt entities to register for informational webinars on Elective Pay that took place throughout December 2025, and will host its first Elective Pay Office Hours on January 15, 2026.
Webinar recordings and additional information can be found on the Agency’s Elective Pay web page. Please find the registration link for IPA Elective Pay Office Hours below.
IPA Elective Pay Office Hours
Date: January 15, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. CT
REGISTER NOW
| | External Events Featuring IPA Speakers | |
IPA Staff Present at Illinois Renewable Energy Conference | |
Across September 30 and October 1, IPA staff presented at the Illinois Renewable Energy Conference in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.
IPA Director Brian Granahan kicked off the conference with remarks reflecting on key energy policy discussions leading up to the legislative veto session. Brian outlined how the sunsetting of clean energy tax credits and shifts in federal policy could influence the state’s clean energy future. His remarks helped frame a forward-looking discussion on the critical role of state-level policy in shaping and sustaining Illinois’ clean energy transition.
IPA Program Manager for Illinois Shines Andrea O’Shea presented on the Public Schools category of the Illinois Shines program. Andrea highlighted both the barriers and opportunities for schools participating in this category. During the presentation, Andrea also introduced the recently launched Public Schools Outreach Action Plan, designed to support school decision-makers in adopting solar. Implementation strategies include targeted relationship building with public school professionals, education association engagement, conference attendance, and one-on-one meetings with priority schools and districts.
To access the presentations, please visit the conference website.
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IPA Staff Present at Institute for Regulatory Policy Studies 2025 Conference | |
Across October 14 and 15, IPA staff attended the Institute for Regulatory Policy Studies (IRPS) 2025 Conference, titled “Powering Illinois Forward: A Summit on Energy Resilience, Sustainability, and Innovation.”
IPA Director Brian Granahan spoke on the “Illinois at the Crossroads of State and Federal Action” panel which explored how state agencies are adapting to evolving federal energy policies.
IPA Chief Legal Counsel Kelly Turner also participated in a separate panel, titled “Powering the Future: Electrification, Efficiency, and Distributed Energy Resources.” That discussion examined how emerging technologies, such as residential and commercial solar, electric vehicles, and smart home technologies are helping to optimize the state’s evolving energy system.
To access the presentations, please visit the IRPS conference web page.
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ILSFA Program Administrator Join Citizens Utility Board to Help Residents Save on Energy Costs | |
In October and November, ILSFA Program Administrator Elevate Energy joined the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) for two educational events designed to help residents and businesses reduce energy costs and prepare for solar opportunities.
The first event was a virtual utility bill clinic where attendees received personalized consultations to better understand their utility bills. CUB representatives guided attendees through their statements, discussed eligibility for the ILSFA solar incentive program, and shared information about energy efficiency programs that can help prepare homes for solar integration.
The second event was an in-person home energy presentation in Plainfield, Illinois, where attendees learned how solar incentives, energy efficiency programs, and other initiatives can lower electricity costs. The presentation highlighted energy choices, efficiency options, and solar opportunities, including the ILSFA program.
To learn more about how the IPA’s ILSFA program is helping Illinois residents save on energy bills, please visit the ILSFA Success Stories web page.
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IPA Director Presents at RE+ Midwest | |
On December 3, IPA Director Brian Granahan joined the RE+ Midwest conference in Chicago. The conference brought together clean energy companies, utilities, and policymakers to network and address pressing issues in the energy sector.
Brian spoke on the “What’s Plan BBB? How Midwest States are Moving Renewable Energy Forward” panel, which explored how Midwestern states can respond to recent federal clean energy policy changes while continuing to ensure energy reliability, safety, and affordability. In addition, Brian delivered the Illinois State Briefing, a presentation highlighting the state’s energy and renewable energy landscape. State briefings were also presented for Michigan, Missouri/Kansas, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
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Katie Ostrowski, Legislative Affairs Manager
On November 17, Katie Ostrowski joined the IPA as Legislative Affairs Manager. In this role, Katie serves as the Agency’s legislative liaison, representing the IPA before members of the Illinois General Assembly and other government decision-makers at both the state and local levels.
Katie brings extensive public service experience to the IPA, having previously served as Legislative Director for the Illinois Department of Aging and, most recently, as Chief of Staff for a Chicago Alderman.
The Agency is pleased to welcome Katie to the team. Katie can be reached at katherine.ostrowski@illinois.gov.
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Brandi Lewis, Administrative Assistant - Legal
On January 2, Brandi Lewis joined the IPA as an Administrative Assistant. In this role, she will provide support to the Agency's Legal Bureau.
Brandi brings over seven years of administrative experience across real estate, finance, and project coordination environments. She is passionate about contributing to a professional team that supports public service, transparency, and operational excellence.
The Agency is pleased to welcome Brandi to the team!
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Esther Kim, DEI Partnerships Manager
On January 16, Esther Kim will join the IPA as 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.
Esther brings a background in CEJA policy from her most recent role with the Chicago Jobs Council. In this role, Esther implemented funding for CEJA grantees, organizing convenings to strengthen relationships. Esther also led cross-sector partnerships and evaluated grant awarding process to identify barriers for community-based organizations across Illinois to access CEJA funding.
The Agency is pleased to welcome Esther to the team!
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