As previously announced, due to a simultaneous spike in Part I and Part II applications and an increase in battery schematic reviews, the turnaround time for Part I and Part II Small DG application reviews remain beyond expected 10-day timeframes. Currently, Small DG Part I application review time is 6 weeks, and Small DG Part II application review time is 11 weeks. All categories besides Small DG are currently within the standard review time expectations.
While overall submission volumes remain high, the Program Administrator has increased output and capacity and made significant progress on bringing Small DG application review into expected timeframes. Over the past four weeks, Application Processors have reduced review queues by over 3,300 applications across all categories and reviewed 625 battery schematics, a 300% increase from Spring.
To continue to bring the queues into expected timeframes, the Program has:
- Hired a total of nine new full and part-time application reviewers to increase capacity
- Implemented automated review enhancements to improve efficiency and increase application review capacity
- Added 200+ hours per month in technical review capacity for systems with a battery or storage component and moved battery schematic review to the Portal to increase process efficiency
The Program anticipates returning to the target two-week review time for Small DG Part I by the end of October, and for Small DG Part II by the end of November. As forecasts are highly dependent on fluctuations in submission volumes, they are subject to change, and the Program will continue to update stakeholders.
The Program Administrator continues to prioritize the review of applications based upon the submission date and is available to support AVs and Designees with application questions at [email protected] or by phone at (877) 783-1820. The status of individual applications can be searched using the Project Look Up Tool on the Program website. Additionally, the Program reminds stakeholders to review the Application Tips and Tricks to avoid Need Info requests that delay application review and approval.
Thank you!
Illinois Shines Program
[email protected]