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 […]
Mentorship Program Winter Cohort Registration Closes Today
As previously announced, Registration for AVs and Designees interested in being mentees for the 2025-26 Mentorship Program Winter Cohort is open now until December 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CPT. Details of the Winter cohort and the application can be found on the Mentorship Program page. Additionally, the Fall Mentorship Program recordings and slides have been published […]
Registration for 2025-26 Mentorship Program Winter Cohort Now Open
Registration for AVs and Designees for the 2025-26 Mentorship Program Winter Cohort is now openandwill close on December 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CPT. Please submit your application to participate by navigating to the Mentorship Program page. The Mentorship Program provides mentees with virtual courses and trainings covering Program processes and requirements, and facilitates opportunities to network with other market stakeholders. Mentees are expected to attend each of the eight 75-minute […]
Illinois Shines Honors Graduating Mentees of Program Year 2025-26 Mentorship Program Fall Cohort
The Illinois Shines Program Year 2025-26 Mentorship Program Fall Cohort concluded Thursday, November 20, 2025, with an in-person graduation and celebration event for mentees. The event capped an eight-week Mentorship Program from September to November, during which mentees completed virtual training courses and participated in live, interactive sessions with experienced AV mentors and the Program […]
Winter Mentorship Registration
Mentee registration for AVs and Designees for the 2025-26 Mentorship Program Winter Cohort will open on December 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. CPT on the Mentorship Program page. Registration will close on December 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CPT. The Mentorship Program provides virtual courses and trainings covering the Illinois Shines program processes and requirements […]
Updates Following 2025-26 Program Year Re-Opening: EEC CS (Group A) – Next Steps
On October 31, 2025, capacity for the 2025-26 Program Year was re-allocated following re-opening. Capacity was initially allocated to projects on the 2025-26 Program Year EEC CS Group A waitlist, leaving 0 MW of capacity available for Group A. The expanded 20% developer cap was applied during this time. Projects selected from the waitlists will be submitted to the […]
IPA Announces Certificates for Equity Eligible Persons (EEPs) and Availability of EEP Resumes
The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) is excited to announce two major updates that strengthen access, visibility, and recognition for Equity Eligible Persons (EEPs) participating in Illinois’ clean energy programs: Official Certificates for EEPs and EEP Resumes, available on the External EEP Dashboard. To learn more, please reference this announcement.