Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a robust plan to prepare a reliable electric grid as the state retires its coal- and gas-fired power plants and greatly expands the use of clean energy resources, such as solar and wind power.
Below is a statement by Michael B. Jacobs, a senior energy analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
“Planning ahead for change saves both money and time. As Illinois and other states pursue goals to eliminate heat-trapping emissions from the power sector, they must take a proactive approach to preparing the electric grid for the transition. Today’s action by the ICC demonstrates the kind of leadership needed to lay the foundation for reducing pollution while lowering consumer costs.
“Though there’s still much work to come, the ICC has established a solid vision and the tangible steps required to bring public accountability to the phase out fossil-fueled power plants on time and replace them with increasingly higher levels of clean, cost-effective electricity from wind, solar, and other resources. UCS looks forward to continuing to work with the ICC, utilities, and community stakeholders to urgently and equitably pursue Illinois’ clean energy transition.”
The new “Renewable Energy Access Plan” was mandated under Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which went into effect in 2021. CEJA established a timetable for reducing heat-trapping emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants that will require most, if not all, of those plants to retire. By 2030, Illinois must close its dirtiest plants, including the most polluting gas plants located in environmental justice communities. CEJA gives the ICC vital capabilities to achieve this and the mandated 100% carbon-free power sector by 2045. Development of the Renewable Energy Access Plan began in 2022 with stakeholder workshops and concluded with ICC revisions to the draft plan based on comments by interested parties. CEJA requires the ICC to update the plan every two years.