Program Updates
- Vendor Updates
Designee Renewal Process, Upcoming Schedule for Need Info Requests, New Small DG Case Study
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
- Vendor Updates
2026–27 Designee Renewal Process Begins Soon
Designees and Nested Designees registered prior to the start of the 2026–27 Program Year will be required to renew their registration and will receive an email on Monday, October 19, 2026, containing a link to their renewal form and unique login credentials. Renewals must be completed by Monday, November 30,
- Consumer Updates, Vendor Updates
Case Study: How a Small Farm Household in Centralia, IL, Found Big Cost Savings, Essential Power Backup, and Peace of Mind Through Illinois Shines
The Program’s new case study spotlights Gragg Street Farm, a veteran-owned small farm and farmers market staple in Centralia, Illinois, that achieved energy reliability for its farm operations and gained peace of mind for their family and care of their livestock through an Illinois Shines Small Distributed Generation Project. This
- Vendor Updates
2025-26 Annual Report Cure Period, REC Delivery Underperformance Notification Process, Project Labor Agreement Submission Process
The IPA announces new information related to the Illinois Shines program. This announcement includes: Coming Up in Illinois Shines, Stakeholder Support, Program News, Reference and Reminders, and Other Opportunities. The full announcement is available here. Topics include the following: Coming up in Illinois Shines Stakeholder Support Program News Reference and
- Vendor Updates
Project Labor Agreement Submission Requirements and Process for Community Solar Projects
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (Public Act 104-0458, or “CRGA”) was passed on October 31, 2025, and took effect on June 1, 2026. CRGA amended the IPA Act, among other Illinois laws, resulting in modifications to the Illinois Shines program and its requirements. CRGA introduced a Project Labor
- Community-Driven Community Solar category hub, Vendor Updates
Community-Driven Community Solar Application Review and Scoring Schedule
As outlined in Section 5 of the Program Guidebook, the Community-Driven Community Solar (“CDCS”) application window closes 90 days after the start of the Program Year. With the Program Year commencing on June 1, 2026, the application submission deadline for Program Year 2026-27 CDCS projects was August 31, 2026. Please