Program Updates
- Vendor Updates
Consumer Protection Working Group Moving to Quarterly Schedule; Next Meeting June 5, 2026
As previously announced, the Program Administrators and IPA proposed a change to the cadence of Consumer Protection Working Group meeting to a quarterly schedule, requesting feedback by March 25, 2026. Since Program inception, these meetings have run on a monthly cadence which allowed for regular feedback from participants on consumer
- Vendor Updates
Resources and Guidance for Complying with MES Reporting Requirements, Upcoming Webinar
As the May 31, 2026 close of 2025-26 Program Year approaches, Approved Vendors (AVs) and Designees will need to begin preparing for upcoming Minimum Equity Standard (MES) data and reporting requirements. The IPA and Program Administrator are excited to announce that in response to stakeholder feedback, MES reporting for the prior and next Program Years, previously submitted in two separate reports, will be consolidated into one report due on July 15, 2026. This new combined
- Equity Eligible Contractors category hub, Vendor Updates
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
- Vendor Updates
Stakeholder Feedback Deadline on Draft Program Guidebook and Consumer Protection Documents, Financing Opportunities Webinar, Expedited CDCS Review and Scoring Schedule
he 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
- Vendor Updates
Expedited Community-Driven Community Solar Application Review and Scoring Schedule for 45-Day Application Window
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. Any project submitted during the 45-day window that qualifies for the waitlist will be placed behind projects submitted during the initial
- Vendor Updates
Financing Opportunities Webinar – April 9, 2026
In response to stakeholder interest in resources and opportunities for project financing, the Illinois Shines Program Administrator will host a Financing Opportunities webinar on Thursday, April 9, 2026, between 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CPT. This webinar will include presentations from Illinois Shines partner organizations, including the Hispanic American Construction Industry