Ambitious Plan Solidifies Illinois as Renewable Energy Leader

The Illinois Commerce Commission today approved the state’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan (the Plan), which lays out a path for electric utilities to get 25 percent of their power from renewable resources by 2025. Based on workshops and input from stakeholders, including Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), the Plan includes incentives and programs to jumpstart Illinois’ development of wind and solar power. It also prioritizes funding for building new projects in the state, which will provide clean energy for years to come. The state’s ambitious 25 percent renewables goal was established by the landmark bipartisan Future Energy Jobs Act, a monumental clean energy development package passed in late 2016.

“Hundreds of millions of investment dollars will soon be flowing into developing clean wind and solar projects that will power Illinois homes and businesses. Not only is Illinois solidifying its place at the forefront of America’s clean energy economy, it’s showing other states how to provide equitable access to renewables.”

• Christie Hicks, Manager, Clean Energy Regulatory Implementation, EDF

“With the approval of this ambitious plan, Illinois takes another step toward becoming a national leader in affordable clean energy. A more diverse power portfolio, which includes wind and solar, makes the grid more stable and affordable. No question, there’s a lot of work to do. But Illinois now has an excellent opportunity to act on the promise of the Future Energy Jobs Act to make sure that everyone receives the benefits of the clean energy economy.”  

• David Kolata, Executive Director, CUB