Fall 2026 AV and EEC Roundtables
The Program Administrator is excited to announce the next round of Illinois Shines AV and EEC Roundtables. The Roundtables provide an opportunity for participants to share program feedback and offer insights on market challenges and conditions. Roundtable participants will connect with other AVs and EECs, Illinois Shines Sector Strategists, and other Program Administrator team members. […]
Upcoming EAS Learning Series Webinar
Earlier this year, the Program Administrator and the IPA DEI Team launched the Illinois Shines Equity Accountability System (EAS) Learning Series, to highlight the importance of equity in the clean energy economy, and within the program, and to equip vendors with resources and support to meet and exceed Program equity requirements. The next webinar in […]
IPA Lifting Pause on Two Withhold Limit for Distributed Generation Starting June 29
Beginning with re-batching that opens on June 29, 2026, DG projects will only be permitted to be withheld twice before they must be submitted to the ICC for REC Contract approval or permanently withdrawn from the Program. Projects that have been withheld more than two times already will be required to submit to the ICC or withdraw. This process is further outlined in […]
IPA Lifting Pause on Two Withhold Limit for Distributed Generation
As announced in August 2025, the IPA paused the enforcement of the two withhold limit, from Part I application submissions to the ICC meetings for REC Contract approval, due to the Federal Reconciliation Bill (H.R.1) and the Executive Order issued on July 7, 2025. The pause will be lifted for the July 16, 2026, ICC meeting, with the […]
Small DG Category Changes
As noted in the January 16, 2026 Program announcement, announcements regarding the 2026 REC Delivery Contracts, and the release of the Program Year 2026-27 Program Guidebook, several Small DG category changes will be introduced in Program Year 2026-27, effective June 1, 2026, including:
Updated Circumstances Requiring New Disclosure Form Issuance and Signature Resource
The Agency and Program Administrator have updated guidance on when a new Disclosure Form is required to reflect upcoming Program changes related to the new Small DG Customer-Owned REC Adder and ability for Community Solar providers to adjust subscribers’ subscription sizes to meet changing needs (if their subscription agreements allow). The updated Circumstances Requiring New Disclosure […]
Update on Small DG Part I Verification Deadlines, Processing Queue, and ICC Trade Dates
As recently shared, the Program has received a high volume of Part I Small DG project applications seeking approval under the 2024 REC Delivery Contract. In an effort to Part I verify as many project applications as possible under the 2024 REC Delivery Contract, the Program Administrator has added additional processing capacity through a combination of increased staff hours, […]
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 […]
2026 REC Contract Roll Out Timing; May 3 Deadline for Part I Verification Under 2024 Contract and Changes to Small DG Payment Structure
Following the ICC’s approval of the 2026 Long-Term Plan and the signing of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (“CRGA”) into law, the IPA has begun drafting the 2026 REC Contract. The draft 2026 REC Contract is expected to be posted for stakeholder comment on April 17, 2026, with all comments due by May […]
Part I Small DG Application Processing Update
Following a spike in submission of Small DG project applications, review of Part I applications has exceeded the 10-day expected turnaround time. The Program Administrator is working to bring application review back into the expected turnaround time and will continue to inform stakeholders of progress. In addition to information available at the Project Application Reports page, the […]