CDCS Random Selection Event Held, Stakeholder Feedback for Draft REC Contracts Due Today, Annual Report Process Launch
The IPA announces new information related to the Illinois Shines program. This announcement includes: Coming Up in Illinois Shines, Stakeholder Support, Program News, and Reference and Reminders. The full announcement is available here. Topics include the following: Coming up in Illinois Shines Stakeholder Support Program News Reference and Reminders Thank you!Illinois Shines [email protected]
EEC Capacity Merge Complete; Block Capacity Dashboard Updated
As provided in the 2024 Long-Term Plan Section 7.4.6.4, on May 1, 2026, the Program and Agency opened EEC subcategory capacity to the entire EEC category, 11 months into the Program Year. The Program updated the Block Capacity Dashboard by merging the EEC capacity bars, combining CS and DG projects (maintaining Group A and Group […]
Community-Driven Community Solar Project Selection Results for 45-Day Application Window in Program Year 2025-26
As previously announced, as a result of the Modified 2024 Long-Term Plan, the Program opened an additional 45-day CDCS application window from January 16, 2026, to March 2, 2026. On April 1, 2026, the Program reallocated 50% of unused Program capacity to waitlisted projects. 16.98 MW of capacity was allocated to the CDCS Group A […]
Reminder: Stakeholder Feedback for Draft 2026 REC Contracts Due May 1, 2026
As previously announced, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) issued a Request for Stakeholder Comments on the draft 2026 15-year and 20-year REC Contracts for Illinois Shines. The draft REC Contracts have changes to conform with the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) Final Order on the IPA’s 2026 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan and the Clean and […]
Update on Small DG Verifications, Program Year 2026-27 Program Documents, Draft 2026 REC Delivery Contracts for Stakeholder Feedback
The IPA announces new information related to the Illinois Shines program. This announcement includes: Coming Up in Illinois Shines, Stakeholder Support, Program News, and Reference and Reminders. The full announcement is available here. Topics include the following: Coming up in Illinois Shines Stakeholder Support Program News Reference and Reminders Thank you!Illinois Shines [email protected]
Update on Small DG Part I Verification Deadlines, Processing Queue, and ICC Trade Dates
As noted in the January 16, 2026 Program announcement, the passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act included changes to the REC payment structure for Small DG and Public Schools DG projects, effective June 1, 2026. As previously announced, the Program will soon roll out 2026 Illinois Shines REC Delivery Contracts, and on April 17, 2026, shared […]
Griffin & Strong Invites Clean Energy Companies to Provide Anecdotal Interviews to Inform IPA Racial Disparity and Availability Study
Griffin & Strong has partnered with the Illinois Power Agency (“IPA” or “Agency”) to conduct a Racial Disparity and Availability Study that will analyze the level of access and participation for minority businesses and workers in the Illinois clean energy sector. As part of this effort, Griffin & Strong will conduct one-on-one interviews with clean […]
Welcome to Program Year 2026-27 Webinar – May 21, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CPT
The Illinois Shines 2026-27 Program Year will commence on June 1, 2026. To support stakeholders during this transition, the Program will host an informational webinar on upcoming Program Year changes on May 21, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CPT. The IPA and its Program Administrator will discuss the 2026 Long-Term Plan, updates to the […]
Illinois Power Agency Publishes Draft 2026 Illinois Shines REC Delivery Contracts for Stakeholder Feedback
The Illinois Power Agency has issued a Request for Stakeholder Comments on the draft 2026 15-year and 20-year REC Contracts for Illinois Shines. The REC Contracts have changes to conform with the ICC’s Final Order on the IPA’s 2026 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan dated February 17, 2026, and changes pursuant to Public Act 104-0458 […]
Updated Program Guidebook and Consumer Protection Documents for Program Year 2026-27 Released
The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) has published final versions of the Program Year 2026-27 Program Guidebook, Consumer Protection Handbook, Distributed Generation (DG) and Community Solar (CS) Contract Requirements, and updated Stranded Customer REC Adder Categories. These documents conform with the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Final Order on the IPA’s 2026 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan and […]