The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) is pleased to announce the release of Part II of its Equity Accountability System Assessment, which completes comprehensive evaluation of statutory Equity Accountability System (EAS) provisions in promoting equity across the clean energy economy.
The Illinois Power Agency Act directs the IPA to establish an Equity Accountability System to ensure that underserved and disadvantaged communities have access to the opportunities created by the clean energy economy. The scope of the Equity Accountability System includes the following:
- A minimum equity standard (MES) applicable to the project workforce of companies participating in select IPA programs and procurements;
- A dedicated category within Illinois Shines for solar projects submitted by Equity Eligible Contactors (EECs);
- The availability of an advance of capital predating project development within the EEC category;
- Equity prioritizations made in competitive procurements;
- The development of an online Energy Workforce Equity Database to link clean energy companies with Equity Eligible Persons (EEPs).
This release concludes the two-part report evaluating the effectiveness of the EAS. The first part, published in August 2024, featured an analysis of the implementation of EAS provisions based on available data collected through the Agency’s programs and procurements, stakeholder interviews, surveys, and other insights.
This second part provides a comprehensive analysis and discussion of Minimum Equity Standard (MES) compliance and gathers insights from the MES Year-End Reports, MES Waivers, workforce demographics, as well as annual reporting data. In addition, the report addresses recommendations to the EAS for continued improvement in ensuring its equity-driven impact is made.
To find out how the Agency is promoting equity across the clean energy economy, please visit the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion page on the IPA website.
Thank you!
Illinois Shines Program
[email protected]
