The CRGA Act: Strengthening Illinois’ Commitment to Clean, Reliable, and Affordable Energy
Illinois has long been a leader in energy reform, and the state now has an opportunity to build on this progress by passing the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA Act/SB 2473/HB 3779) by the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC). Building on the successes of the 2016 Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the 2021 Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), this new bill marks the latest chapter in Illinois’ committed journey toward a cleaner, more equitable energy future. While Illinois has already made strides in renewable energy adoption, the CRGA Act seeks to take these efforts to the next level. With its focus on clean, reliable, and affordable energy, this bill could further transform the state’s grid and communities for the better. So let’s take a closer look. What are some of the measures in the CRGA Act that will make the grid cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable?
What makes it clean?
At the heart of the CRGA Act lies its commitment to clean, renewable energy, following in the footsteps of FEJA and CEJA. One of the standout features is the creation of the Office of Energy Modeling under the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), tasked with conducting comprehensive studies to anticipate and plan for future renewable energy needs. This forward-thinking approach will enable Illinois to better align its policies and energy procurement strategies with both current and future demands, keeping the state on track to meet its climate goals. Thanks to the leadership of Governor JB Pritzker, the state has already secured federal funding to stand up this new office and build an energy road map for Illinois.
Equally significant, the CRGA Act mandates the transformation of the CEJA-made Resource Adequacy Study into a “Clean Resource Plan,” further emphasizing cost-effective, clean energy solutions. This will help ensure that we build and incentivize exactly the types of clean energy we need, when we need it, and where we need it. The bill also introduces a Solar Bill of Rights, safeguarding rooftop solar deployment for over 1 million Illinoisans under municipal utilities and electric cooperatives. By preventing restrictive policies, this provision not only supports individual energy independence but also alleviates strain on the grid.
As data centers expand rapidly, they can put added strain on the power grid. This bill ensures large data centers integrate responsibly into local communities and the grid. It directs the Illinois EPA to set rules on water use, materials recycling, and environmental justice protections, especially for large data centers in Equity Investment Eligible Communities. It also requires data centers to develop an operating plan, approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, including a “bring your own energy” component focused on the procurement of clean energy locally, and measures to use clean energy for back-up generation. This balance between technological change and sustainability is crucial as Illinois strives to meet its growing energy demands without compromising its commitment to clean energy.
What makes it reliable?
Focusing on clean energy not only advances sustainability but also strengthens reliability, ensuring Illinois can meet energy demands without disruptions. The CRGA Act addresses the pressing need for a dependable energy grid, one that can withstand growing demand without sacrificing climate goals. An important provision of the bill is the creation of the Illinois Storage for All program, which would divert up to 25% of funds from the Illinois Solar for All program to investments in battery storage. By providing equitable access to energy storage, the act ensures that solar energy can be stored and used when needed most, reducing the reliance on fossil fuel plants during peak demand periods. This is a game changer for low-income communities, enabling them to benefit from clean, reliable energy while reducing their exposure to volatile electricity prices. Along the same vein, the act requires the IPA to engage in energy storage procurement to guarantee at least 3000 MW of storage by 2030, protecting all from capacity shortfalls and subsequent price hikes at peak demand.
Additionally, the bill encourages the implementation of Virtual Power Plants (VPPs), which use devices like smart thermostats, solar panels, and electric vehicle chargers to create a flexible network of distributed energy resources. This not only helps with system reliability, it also helps keep rates low by avoiding new expensive gas plants and fees from regional grid operators. VPPs help manage grid strain and lower costs for consumers, and the CRGA Act requires utilities to implement such programs statewide. This innovative approach will make Illinois’ energy grid more resilient and cost-effective for all by making VPPs a serious part of the energy equation.
Grid enhancing technologies do not stop there. The CRGA Act also calls for the ICC to conduct Advanced Transmission Technology and Transmission Headroom Studies to implement a Grid Capacity Optimization Plan to ready transmission systems to take on higher amounts of clean energy as outlined in other parts of the bill. By investing in these technologies now, Illinois will be better positioned to manage and distribute renewable energy in the future.
What makes it affordable?
Expanding access to clean energy solutions not only strengthens reliability but also helps lower energy bills, ensuring affordability for Illinois residents. The CRGA Act tackles the issue of affordability head-on, focusing on policies that make clean energy more accessible and cost-effective for everyone. The bill strengthens energy efficiency goals for major utilities like ComEd and Ameren, confirming that consumers—especially low-income households—benefit from cost-saving programs. Similarly, the bill strengthens low-income discount rates borne through CEJA by offering additional protections through the ICC. This is a critical step toward reducing the financial burden on those who are most vulnerable to rising energy costs.
In addition, the CRGA Act builds on CEJA’s time-of-use pilot program by requiring ComEd and Ameren to offer opt-in time-of-use rates. This initiative will allow consumers to save money by shifting their energy usage to off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, while simultaneously easing strain on the grid during peak demand.
For communities served by municipal utilities and electric cooperatives, the bill mandates greater transparency in utility planning. By requiring these entities to submit integrated resource plans for review by the IPA, the CRGA Act opens up opportunities for local communities to weigh in and shape energy policies that meet their unique needs.
Putting it all together
With attacks on clean energy at the federal level, states like Illinois must step up and lead the way. The CRGA Act is a bold step toward ensuring that Illinois remains a national leader in clean, reliable, and affordable energy. By prioritizing the needs of communities, this bill provides a roadmap for an energy future that benefits everyone. It is an ambitious plan that builds on the hard work of those that designed and implemented previous legislation, like FEJA and CEJA, and sets Illinois on a course for even greater success in the years to come.
With the CRGA Act, Illinois is once again proving that a just, equitable energy transition is not just possible—it is within reach. The time to act is now, and Illinois has the opportunity to model what a clean, reliable, and affordable energy future looks like.