EEC Subcategory Merging Complete
As previously mentioned, and as provided for in the 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program opened the EEC subcategory capacity to the entire category on May 1, 2026, 11 months into the Program Year, and will reallocate any uncontracted capacity in the category at the close of the Program Year. The Program has updated the Block Capacity Dashboard page […]
EEC Roundtable Interest Form
The Program is excited to host a virtual Spring EEC Roundtable on May 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CPT. The EEC Roundtable provides an opportunity for EEC participants to learn more about the Minimum Equity Standard Combined Compliance Plan and Year-End Report, share questions, feedback, and insights on Program challenges, and more. The EEC Spring Roundtable agenda has been updated […]
EEC Subcategory Merging
As provided in the 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program will open EEC subcategory capacity to the entire category 11 months into the Program Year and thereafter reallocate any uncontracted capacity in the category at the close of the Program Year. On May 1, 2026, the Program will merge the EEC CS and DG category capacity (maintaining Group A and […]
Clarification of EEC Group B Developer Cap Size
During the April 1, 2026 capacity reallocation event, 50% of the unallocated EEC Group B category capacity was reallocated and as a result, the EEC Group B category block decreased in size. Nonetheless, the 20% developer cap for EEC Group B was retained at 61.12 MW, the highest the cap calculated during the 2025-26 Program Year, to avoid unintended consequences resulting from the block size decrease. This cap will […]
EEC Roundtable Interest Form
The Program is excited to host a virtual Spring EEC Roundtable on May 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CPT. The EEC Roundtable provides an opportunity for EEC participants to learn more about the Minimum Equity Standard Combined Compliance Plan and Year-End Report, share questions, feedback, and insights on Program challenges and market obstacles with members of the […]
Financing Opportunities Webinar Held
As previously announced, the Program Administrator held a webinar on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to provide information on financial resources and financing opportunities, including grant and loan programs, Illinois Shines vendors can pursue. Presenters included Illinois Shines partner organizations HACIA, NLR, CEJJF, and the Ameren Market Development Initiative. A recording of the event and presentation slides are now available; questions and […]
Resources and Guidance for EECs Complying with MES Reporting Requirements, Upcoming Webinar
As described in the Draft 2026-27 Program Guidebook, beginning June 1, 2026, all Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC) Approved Vendors (AVs) and Designees will be required to meet the Minimum Equity Standard (MES). During the upcoming reporting window, the Program is requesting data from EECs on their 2026-27 project workforce. For the current 2025-26 Program Year, ending May 31, […]
Resources and Guidance for EECs Complying with MES Reporting Requirements, Upcoming Webinar
As described in the Draft 2026-27 Program Guidebook, beginning June 1, 2026, all Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC) Approved Vendors (AVs) and Designees will be required to meet the Minimum Equity Standard (MES). During the upcoming reporting window, the Program is requesting data from EECs on their 2026-27 project workforce. For the current 2025-26 Program Year, […]
Illinois Shines Honors Graduating Mentees of 2025-26 Mentorship Program Winter Cohort
As previously announced, the Illinois Shines 2025-26 Mentorship Program Winter Cohort concluded March 5, 2026, with an in-person graduation event for 16 mentees at Hire360 in Chicago. The event capped an eight-week Mentorship Program, from January to March, during which mentees completed virtual training courses and participated in live, interactive sessions with experienced AV mentors and the Program […]
IPA Joins DCEO in Virtual Event for Small & Emerging Businesses
The IPA will join the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) in a virtual event designed for small and emerging businesses interested in participating in Illinois’ clean energy sector. This session is geared toward subcontractors, general contractors, developers, municipalities, economic development professionals, and others seeking to engage in clean energy projects across the state. DCEO’s Office of […]