Program Updates

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

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

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

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

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,

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