Illinois Legislators Take Bold Action to Ensure Affordable, Reliable Energy for All

The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act Reaffirms Illinois as a Climate Leader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2025 

Springfield, IL–  With major support from Illinoisans and clean energy advocates, including Vote Solar, Illinois legislators passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA Act/SB 25) during the 2025 veto session, strengthening Illinois’ energy grid and protecting communities from rising energy costs.  

As energy-intensive data centers expand and capacity prices spike further, Illinois is expecting to see significantly rising electricity bills for communities across the state. The CRGA Act is designed to address these challenges by strengthening the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and ensuring that the state stays on track to meet its clean energy goals. Now, because of decisive action from legislators, Illinois communities will be better protected from rising energy costs and a strained energy grid. 

“Illinois lawmakers listened to their communities and took pivotal action to pass the CRGA Act, ensuring that the state remains a national leader in building a reliable, affordable, and equitable clean energy future,” said Kavi Chintam, Campaign Manager for Illinois at Vote Solar. “While we are facing many federal uncertainties, this marks a huge win. Our state leaders remained committed to strengthening our clean energy goals and protecting families from rising energy costs.”

Original analysis from Vote Solar has shown how programs like Illinois Solar for All and Illinois Shines are essential for expanding access to solar, lowering energy bills, and creating local jobs. With complementary policies from the CRGA Act, Illinois will continue to support local economic growth, affordability, and equitable access to solar. 

“Solar programs like Illinois Solar for All have proven that when we invest in people, we all win,” said Chintam. “By pairing these programs with the CRGA Act, Illinois is setting the standard for how states can lower costs, create good local jobs, and make clean energy accessible to everyone.”

About Vote Solar

Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar and clean energy solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build a just and equitable energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.