Stakeholder Feedback
Stakeholder feedback plays a very important role in Illinois Shines, providing important perspectives and considerations to the Illinois Power Agency as it examines and formulates new policies, processes, and initiatives to strengthen the program. Feedback is solicited in various manners, including formal requests for comments, survey invitations, participation in forums, and more. This page summarizes formal comment requests and where applicable, submitted comments and resulting rationale documents. Other opportunities including surveys, forums, working groups, and more are typically shared via Program announcements.
- Current Feedback Requests
The Illinois Power Agency (IPA or Agency) seeks stakeholder feedback on potential strategies to enhance the certification process for Equity Eligible Contractors (EEC). This feedback will inform new requirements as part of the IPA’s upcoming update of its Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan (to be finalized in 2026). Stakeholders may comment on as many or as few of the items outlined within this document as they would like. Stakeholders should not feel limited by the questions offered below and may provide comments on these proposals beyond the scope of these specific questions as it relates to refinements to the EEC certification process.
Please provide comments via email attachment to IPA.EnergyEquity@illinois.gov with the subject “[Responder’s Name] – Stakeholder Feedback on EEC Certification” by April 18, 2025.
In general, responses will be made public and published on the IPA’s website. Should a commenter seek to designate any portion of its response as confidential and proprietary, that commenter should provide both public and redacted versions of its comments. Independent of that designation, if the Agency determines that a response contains confidential information that should not be disclosed, the IPA reserves the right to provide its own redactions.
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
April 18, 2025
Topic
Details of Stakeholder Feedback Request
On August 15, 2023, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) released the Draft 2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan for public review and comment. The IPA welcomes public comments on the draft 2024 Long-Term Plan. Written comments are due on Friday, September 29 and should be submitted to IPA.ContactUs@illinois.gov. Previously, on September 15, the Agency held virtual public hearings for the draft 2024 Long-Term Plan.
PLEASE NOTE – Chapter 7 of the Long-Term Plan covers the Illinois Shines program, but Chapter 9 – Consumer Protection and Chapter 10 – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion both have requirements and proposals within that impact Illinois Shines participants. In order to understand the full scope of changes to the Illinois Shines program, all three chapters should be reviewed in full.
Find the 2024 Long-Term Plan’s Cover Letter and Appendices to the draft Plan on the Agency’s website: https://ipa.illinois.gov/energy-procurement/plans-under-development.html.
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Proposal
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Public Comments
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Public Comment Deadline
September 29, 2023
The Agency has released a draft of the 2025-26 Program Year Illinois Shines Program Guidebook, as well as draft of the Consumer Protection Handbook, the Minimum Contract Requirements, and draft REC Prices for stakeholder feedback.
PROGRAM GUIDEBOOK
This draft Guidebook will undergo stakeholder feedback, the Agency will review comments submitted and then release a final version of the Guidebook for the 2025-26 Program Year, which commences on June 2, 2025.The Agency will release the final Program Guidebook for the 2025-26 Program Year on April 18, 2025, 45 days in advance of the start of the Program Year, to allow Program participants time to review, understand, and prepare to be in compliance with all changes in the Program Guidebook when the 2025-26 Program Year commences on June 2, 2025.
- Comments on draft Program Guidebook due March 26, 2025
- Draft 2025-26 Program Guidebook
- Redline comparison between current 2024-25 Program Guidebook and draft 2025-26 Program Guidebook
- Stakeholders should email comments to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov by March 26, 2025 with the subject line “25-26 Guidebook Feedback”
- Agency to review comments and make any relevant edits
- Agency to release final Program Guidebook for the 2025-26 Program Year on April 18, 2025
- Updated Program Guidebook takes effect June 2, 2025
- New information on Consumer Protection Initiatives – including the escrow process, the restitution program, and the stranded customer REC adder
- New information on the 2025 REC Contract Amendment
- Changes to the following documents for purposes of compliance with the Minimum Equity Standard: EEP Attestation, EEP Certification, EEC Attestation and Application, Compliance Plan, Mid-Year Report, Year-End Report, Corrective Action Plan, and MES Waiver
- Please review these documents carefully as the Agency is interested in feedback on proposed changes. They are located in the Guidebook’s Appendices.
- Clarifications for co-location pricing
- Clarifying information for timing on Community Solar application submissions
- Newly required latitude/longitude coordinates for all applications
- New information on CDCS Part II submissions
- Updated AV application
- Addition of a new Designee type
Stakeholders can find the draft Program Guidebook, the draft Consumer Protection documents, and the drafted REC prices on the Program Documents page of the website. Please note, responses provided via this feedback request will be made public and published on the Program’s website https://illinoisshines.com/. However, should a commenter seek to designate any portion of its response as confidential, that commenter should provide both public and redacted versions of their comments. Comments for the draft Program Guidebook and draft Consumer Protection documents should be emailed to IPA.Solar@Illinois.gov.
PLEASE NOTE – Changes to the Program requirements via edits to the Program Guidebook, Consumer Protection documents, and REC prices as published on April 18, 2025 will not take effect until June 2, 2025. Beginning June 2, 2025, all Program participants are expected to be in compliance with the updated Program requirements or may face disciplinary action.
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
The Agency has released a draft of the 2024-25 Program Year Illinois Shines Program Guidebook for stakeholder feedback.
This draft Guidebook will undergo stakeholder feedback, the Agency will review comments submitted and then release a final version of the Guidebook for the 2024-25 Program Year, which commences on June 3, 2024. Changes in this draft version of the Program Guidebook include updates to conform with the ICC’s Final Order on the IPA’s 2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Plan dated February 20, 2024 , and changes derived from stand-alone feedback process that have already occurred, such as Advance of Capital Evaluation Criteria and 2024 AV Application update, as well as changes to the Public School category derived from the passing of Public Act 103-0580.
The Agency will release the final Program Guidebook for the 2024-25 Program Year on April 19, 2024, 45 days in advance of the start of the Program Year, to allow Program participants time to review, understand, and prepare to be in compliance with all changes in the Program Guidebook when the 2024-25 Program Year commences on June 3, 2024.
PLEASE NOTE – Changes to the Program requirements via edits to the Program Guidebook as published on April 19, 2024 will not take effect until June 3, 2024. Beginning June 3, 2024, all Program participants are expected to be in compliance with new Program requirements in the finalized 2024 Long-Term Plan and the updated Program Guidebook or may face disciplinary action.
Next Steps in Program Guidebook Comment & Update Process
- Comments on draft Program Guidebook due March 27, 2024
- Draft Program Guidebook
- Redline comparison between current 2023-24 Program Guidebook and draft 2024-25 Program Guidebook
- Comments should be emailed to IPA.Solar@Illinois.gov with subject line “2024-25 Program Guidebook Feedback”
- Agency to review comments and make final edits
- Agency to release final Program Guidebook for the 2024-25 Program Year on April 19, 2024
- Updated Program Guidebook takes effect June 3, 2024
High Level Changes to Draft Guidebook
- Program Capacity Increase – from 666 MW to 800 MW starting June 3, 2024
- Removed the capacity delineations of Group A and Group B for Distributed Generation categories
- Approved increase in application fees to $20/kW, not to exceed $15,000/project (increase from $10/kW; $5,000/project)
- Program will close and not accept new Part I applications from May 27, 2024 to June 2, 2024, in order to prepare for next Program Year
- Updated prioritization approach for redistributing uncontracted capacity
- Created Distributed Generation and Community Solar sub-categories for the Public Schools category
- New information regarding the Equity Eligible Contractor (EEC) requirements
- 200% DC/AC ratio limit for systems that include a battery/storage component
- Clarification on Community Solar residential and small commercial customers with multiple subscriptions requirement
- Removal of the 5% of REC contract value collateral requirement for Public Schools in the Tier 1 and 2 categories, or located in environmental justice communities
- Creation of new EEC Subcontractor category
- New information on the advance of capital process
- Development of an Escrow process and Solar Restitution program to provide economic assistance to harmed customers
Stakeholders can find the draft Program Guidebook at the Program Documents page of the website. Responses will be made public and published on the Program’s website https://illinoisshines.com/. However, should a commenter seek to designate any portion of its response as confidential, that commenter should provide both public and redacted versions of their comments. Stakeholders should email comments to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov by March 27, 2024.
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March 2024 Stakeholder Feedback on March 13, 2024 Program Guidebook
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
The Agency has released a draft Program Guidebook for the Illinois Shines program for stakeholder feedback. This draft Guidebook will undergo stakeholder feedback, the Agency will review comments submitted, and then release a final version of the Guidebook for the 2023-24 Program year, which commences on June 1, 2023. All changes in this draft version of the Program Guidebook are to be considered proposals upon which stakeholders can provide feedback (aside from those changes derived from stand-alone feedback processes that have already occurred, such as the December 2022 consumer protections feedback process, MES waiver feedback process, and the Public Schools feedback process).
The Agency will release the updated Guidebook for the 2023-24 Program year on April 17, 2023, 45 days in advance of the start of the Program year, to allow Program participants to review, understand, and prepare to be in compliance with all changes in the Program Guidebook when the 2023-24 Program year commences on June 1, 2023.
PLEASE NOTE – Changes to program requirements via edits to the Program Guidebook as published on April 17, 2023 will not take effect until June 1, 2023. After June 1, 2023, all Program participants are expected to be in compliance with new program requirements finalized in this Guidebook update process or may face disciplinary action.
Comments on draft Program Guidebook due April 3, 2023. Comments should be emailed to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov
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March 2023 Stakeholder Feedback on March 13, 2023 Program Guidebook
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
April 3, 2023
CONSUMER PROTECTION DOCUMENTS
The draft of the Consumer Protection Handbook, the Distributed Generation, and the Community Solar Contract Requirements will undergo stakeholder feedback, the Agency will review comments submitted and then release a final version of the documents for the 2025-26 Program Year, which commences on June 2, 2025.
- New requirements in Section I.C related to marketing the Federal Income Tax Credit to residential customers (2 draft options provided for stakeholder feedback), and related to advertising depreciation tax benefits to residential customers
- Requirements in Section V.A related to disclosing information about batteries on Disclosure Forms, providing documents to customers who do not have email accounts, and updating Disclosure Forms if they become outdated or are incorrect
- Updating requirement in Section IX that entities provide requested records to the IPA or Program Administrator in five rather than 21 days
- Requirement that contracts may not prohibit or limit customer’s ability to make complaints to the Program Administrator
- Requirement that DG contracts include (if applicable) the amount of any promised pass-through of the Illinois Shines incentive payment from the Approved Vendor to the customer
- Comments on draft CP documents due March 26, 2025
- Draft CP Handbook
- Redline between current 2024-25 CP Handbook and draft 2025-26 CP Handbook
- Draft 2025-26 Distributed Generation Contract Requirements
- Redline between current DG Contract Requirements and draft DG Contract Requirements
- Draft 2025-26 Community Solar Contract Requirements
- Redline between current CS Contract Requirements and draft CS Contract Requirements
- Stakeholders should email comments to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov by March 26, 2025 with the subject line “25-26 CP Feedback”
- Agency to review comments and make any relevant edits
- Agency to release final CP Documents for the 2025-26 Program Year on April 18, 2025
- Updated CP Documents take effect June 2, 2025
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
The Agency and Program Administrators are requesting stakeholder feedback on detailed proposals for three new consumer protection initiatives: an escrow process, a stranded customer REC adder, and a Restitution Program. A framework for each of these initiatives was approved as part of the 2024 Long-Term Plan, and the Agency is now seeking feedback on more comprehensive proposals for each initiative.
- Escrow Process Stakeholder Feedback Request: The escrow process will be used when necessary to ensure that customers who have been promised a portion of the REC incentive payment do in fact receive that promised payment.
- Stranded Customer REC Adder Stakeholder Feedback Request: The stranded customer REC adder creates an economic incentive for Approved Vendors to take on customers who have been stranded by the original solar company.
- Restitution Program Stakeholder Feedback Request: The Restitution Program will provide compensation to customers harmed through their participation in Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All.
The Agency and Program Administrators request feedback on all aspects of the proposals, and commenters should not feel limited by the specific questions posed.
Please provide comments via email attachment to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov with the subject “[Responder’s Name] – Stakeholder Feedback on CP Initiatives” by October 7, 2024.
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Consumer Protection Initiatives
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
October 7, 2024
The Agency and Program Administrators are requesting stakeholder feedback on a proposal to update Distributed Generation Disclosure Forms for both Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All (“ILSFA”). The Programs are proposing to update Distributed Generation Disclosure Forms to reflect the change for residential and small commercial customers from “full retail rate” net metering to “supply only” net metering in the ComEd, Ameren, and MidAmerican service territories. This change will be in effect for new net metering customers starting in 2025.
The proposed updates would change the approach for calculating the value of electricity from solar projects. The Agency and Program Administrators believe that the change in net metering for residential and small commercial customers may lead to an increased deployment of batteries as part of solar projects. Therefore, the proposal also includes new disclosure fields for information about batteries, including size and information about the utility storage rebate. The linked document describes separate proposals for Illinois Shines and ILSFA and breaks down each proposal into three sections: changes to the user inputs into the Portal; changes to the Portal calculations related to the value of electricity, and utility rebate payments; and changes to the Disclosure Form PDF presented to the customer.
The Agency and Program Administrators request feedback on all aspects of the proposal, including the overall approach and the proposed values for the simplifying assumptions. The Agency intends for the new Disclosure Forms to be available starting January 1, 2025.
Please provide comments via email attachment to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov with the subject “[Responder’s Name] – Stakeholder Feedback on DF Updates” by September 6, 2024.
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Updating DG Disclosure Forms for Supply-Only Net Metering
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
Dear Illinois Shines stakeholders:
The Illinois Power Agency is requesting initial input on two topics through the below linked surveys.
Stranded Customer REC Pricing Adder
The first survey seeks feedback related to the development of the REC adder (an additional financial incentive added to a base REC price) for Approved Vendors who take on solar projects for stranded customers (customers whose original installer and/or Approved Vendor is no longer available). For more information on the REC adder, please see Section 9.4.2.1.1 of the 2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan. The survey seeks information about companies’ experiences related to stranded customers, and feedback on the costs and risks associated with taking on stranded customers. The Agency encourages entities who both have and have not taken on stranded customers to complete this survey. Additional background information is provided in the survey and may be previewed at the Program website’s Consumer Protection Initiatives page in the REC Adder section.
Click here to take the survey on the stranded customer REC adder.
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY JULY 24, 2024
Net Metering Changes Coming in 2025
The second survey seeks feedback to inform updates to Disclosure Forms in light of the changes in net metering policy coming in 2025. Beginning January 1, 2025, Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois will provide supply-only net metering, rather than full retail rate net metering, to new residential and small commercial net metering customers. This means that while the amount of electricity that a customer pulls from the grid and sends to the grid will be netted to calculate a net kWh usage to generate supply charges, these customers will pay delivery charges on the gross among of electricity pulled from the grid. Current Disclosure Forms estimate the value of electricity generated by residential and small commercial solar projects by assuming generation is valued at the utility’s retail rate for electricity. The Agency will need to use a different valuation for generation from DG projects that receive supply-only net metering. The survey seeks feedback on a proposal for estimating a $/kWh value for generation under supply-only net metering, as well as additional information related to this issue. Additional context is provided in the survey introduction.
Click here to take the survey on updating Disclosure Forms for supply-only net metering.
PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY JULY 24, 2024
While responses to both surveys are optional, feedback from stakeholders is incredibly important in informing the Agency’s development of the REC adder for taking on stranded customers and an updated approach to Disclosure Form estimates. Approved Vendors, Designees, Grassroots Educators, and other stakeholders have first-hand experience working in the Programs and/or working with customers, and the information and perspective this provides cannot be overstated. The Agency thanks stakeholders for taking the time to share their experience with us as we work to update and improve our solar Programs.
Thank you!
Illinois Shines Program
admin@IllinoisShines.com
The Illinois Power Agency seeks public comment on a potential modification to a portion of the new Distributed Generation (DG) Disclosure Forms. The new Distributed Generation (“DG”) Disclosure Forms that were put out for public comment in December 2022 (for implementation starting June 1, 2023) included a new section, titled “Project Efficiency.” The intent of the section was to provide information to customers on if their project was designed or sited in a sub-optimal way. For example, if a solar project is shaded or is sited on a northern facing roof, it is important that the customer understand the limitations of the project design and/or siting. The IPA proposed this new disclosure because it is aware that there have been projects that have been submitted in both the Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All programs that have relatively low performance because of siting/design issues. In the public comments, questions were raised about exactly what number would be disclosed, and how that number would be calculated. Based on that feedback, the Agency is considering modifying this portion of the disclosure form to be framed as “Project Performance” – that is, eliminating the use of the term “efficiency” – and using the Total Solar Resource Fraction (“TSRF”) as the actual number that is disclosed. This Request for Public Comment includes a full description of the proposed, new modification, including a mock up of how the new “Project Performance” section of the Disclosure Form would appear using the TSRF approach.
Comments in response to this request are due: March 10, 2023. Comments should be submitted to ipa.contactus@illinois.gov with the subject line “[Responding Entity Name] – Response to New DG Disclosure Forms – Project Performance (“Efficiency”) Disclosure.” Comments will be posted online.
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Consumer Protection Proposal Number/Name
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
The Illinois Power Agency published a packet of thirteen Consumer Protection Proposals for Public Comment on December 2, 2022. Each proposal includes background information, a description, redline edits to the relevant Program documents, questions for feedback, and referenced exhibits, are linked here. (Proposal Packet, Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, and Exhibit 3). Please see the below reference table for each proposal and its associated deadline for comments. Comments should be submitted to ipa.contactus@illinois.gov with the subject line “[Responding Entity Name] – Response to Consumer Protection Proposals.”
#1 – Updated and Streamlined Disclosure Forms
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Consumer Protection Proposal Number/Name
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
#1 – Updated and Streamlined Disclosure Forms
A Just Harvest Response to Proposal 1 Disclosure Forms
Central Road Energy Response to Proposal 1 Disclosure Forms
Clearway Response to Proposal 1 Disclosure Forms
Constellation Response to Proposal 1 Disclosure Forms
CUB Response to Proposal 1 Disclosure Forms
Doshi Response to Proposal 1 Disclosure Forms
Joint Solar Parties Response to Proposal 1 Disclosure Forms
MC Squared Response to Proposal 1 Disclosure Forms
December 30, 2022
Proposals #2-13
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Consumer Protection Proposal Number/Name
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
#2 – Requirements for Designee Management Plans
#3 – Clarification about Approved Vendor Responsibility for Designees that Market “TBD” Community Solar Offers
#4 – Restrictions on Marketing ARES Products in Conjunction with ILSFA Offers
#5 – Exception to Allow ILSFA Approved Vendors to Use the ILSFA Logo with Approval of the Program Administrator
#6 – Community Solar Billing Issues – Notification and Payment Plan
#7 – Adjusted Disclosure Form Execution Process for Community Solar for Large Commercial and Industrial Customers
#8 – Clarification on Restrictions for Offering Distributed Generation Projects that Cannot Take Advantage of Net Metering Crediting under the Public Utilities Act
#9 – Program Violation Response Matrix
#10 – Requirement to Provide a Copy of Executed Disclosure Form and Contracts to Customer
#11 – Community Solar Contract Requirements – Insurance and Maintenance
#12 – Community Solar Contract Requirements – Assignments
#13 – Replace References to “Adjustable Block Program” and to Separate ABP and Illinois Shines Websites
A Just Harvest Response to Proposal 2-13
Carbon Solutions Group Response to Proposals 2-13
Clearway Response to Proposals 2-13
COFI Response to Proposals 2-13
El Valor Response to Proposals 2-13
ILSFA Working Group Response to Proposals 2-13
Joint Solar Parties Response to Proposals 2-13
December 30, 2022
- The Program Administrator is also proposing to update Section 2 of the Program Guidebook with the following edits related to AV applications:
- A new requirement that AVs must promptly submit a renewal application if there is a transfer of ownership of 50% or more of the entity, or if there is a new basis for the AV to answer “yes” to one of the questions in the Company and Affiliate History section (formerly referred to as the Legal and Regulatory section);
- Language reflecting the existing process and requirements for an AV to change its registration status to “inactive” or “withdrawn”;
- Clarification that an AV may not simply fail to renew its application and failure to renew may lead to disciplinary action, which may also apply to an entity’s participation in Illinois Shines as a Designee (if applicable);
- Revision of Section 2.D – Evaluation Criteria for Approved Vendors; and
- Clarification about how conditional application approvals are handled.
- The Program Administrator seeks feedback on the proposed updated AV application and the proposed edits to Section 2 of the Program Guidebook.
The Illinois Power Agency sought public comment on multiple requirements for projects submitted to the Public Schools category of the Illinois Shines program. Background on the topics, a list of requirements for the Public Schools category, and relevant questions for feedback were detailed in the linked Stakeholder Feedback Request – Public Schools Category issued on February 22, 2023. Please see the below reference table for the Stakeholder Feedback Request, which were due on March 3, 2023, and the comments received.
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February 2023 Stakeholder Feedback Request — Public Schools Category
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
The Illinois Power Agency (“IPA” or “Agency”) invites public comment on their proposed plan to assess the Equity Accountability System (“EAS”) and its impact on promoting equity and increasing participation of historically marginalized communities in Illinois’ clean energy economy. As part of this endeavor, the Agency is seeking stakeholder feedback to gather insights and recommendations.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the assessment questions, scope of data collection, proposed methodologies, and additional considerations outlined here. Stakeholders may comment on as many or as few of the items outlined within the document as they would like. Stakeholders should not feel limited by the questions offered within the feedback request and may provide comments on these proposals beyond the scope of these specific questions as it relates to the EAS Assessment.
Please provide comments via email attachment to IPA.ContactUs@illinois.gov with the subject “[Responder’s Name] – Stakeholder Feedback on EAS Assessment” by April 10, 2024.
In general, responses will be made public and published on the IPA’s website. Should a commenter seek to designate any portion of its response as confidential and proprietary, that commenter should provide both public and redacted versions of its comments. Independent of that designation, if the Agency determines that a response contains confidential information that should not be disclosed, the IPA reserves the right to provide its own redactions.
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March 2024 Stakeholder Feedback on Equity Accountability System Assessment
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
The Illinois Power Agency (IPA or Agency) seeks stakeholder feedback on potential strategies to enhance the certification process for Equity Eligible Contractors (EEC). This feedback will inform new requirements as part of the IPA’s upcoming update of its Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan (to be finalized in 2026). Stakeholders may comment on as many or as few of the items outlined within this document as they would like. Stakeholders should not feel limited by the questions offered below and may provide comments on these proposals beyond the scope of these specific questions as it relates to refinements to the EEC certification process.
Please provide comments via email attachment to IPA.EnergyEquity@illinois.gov with the subject “[Responder’s Name] – Stakeholder Feedback on EEC Certification” by April 18, 2025.
In general, responses will be made public and published on the IPA’s website. Should a commenter seek to designate any portion of its response as confidential and proprietary, that commenter should provide both public and redacted versions of its comments. Independent of that designation, if the Agency determines that a response contains confidential information that should not be disclosed, the IPA reserves the right to provide its own redactions.
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
April 18, 2025
A feature of the Equity Accountability System, as established by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, is the ability of Equity Eligible Contractors (EECs) to request an advance of a portion of REC Contract value prior to the associated project’s energization. This capital advancement pre-energization is intended to serve EEC-certified businesses exhibiting true need and to support a more diverse Approved Vendor pool.
The IPA has developed the rubric linked below as criteria for evaluating requests for an advance of capital for projects receiving a REC contract in the EEC Category for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Program Years. Please provide comments via email attachment to IPA.EnergyEquity@illinois.gov with the subject “[Responder’s Name] – Stakeholder Feedback on Advance of Capital Authorization Rubric” by November 14, 2023.
Note: The Agency has filed the 2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission and thus is not seeking any input on the advance of capital process contemplated within that Plan. Stakeholders seeking to provide input on Plan content may do so through the intervening in the open docket (Docket 23-0714). Please limit all comments in response to this request for feedback to the criteria listed below as applied to the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Program Years.
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Equity Eligible Contractor – Advance of Capital
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
Final Advance of Capital Rationale — published December 12, 2023
Final Advance of Capital Evaluation Criteria — published December 12, 2023
The Illinois Power Agency seeks stakeholder feedback on potential strategies to strengthen the criteria for qualifying as an Equity Eligible Contractor and for receiving incentives under the Equity Eligible Contractor block of capacity within the Illinois Shines Program. This feedback will inform new requirements as part of the IPA’s upcoming Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan. More information on the Equity Eligible Contactor category can be found in section 7.4.6 of the Agency’s Final 2022 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan.
Please provide comments via email attachment to IPA.EnergyEquity@illinois.gov with the subject “[Responder’s Name] – Stakeholder Feedback on EEC Criteria” by May 5, 2023.
Stakeholders may comment on as many or as few of the items outlined within the request for feedback as they would like. Stakeholders should not feel limited by the questions offered in the request for feedback and may provide comments on these proposals beyond the scope of these specific questions as it relates to the criteria for certifying Equity Eligible Contractors. Responses will be published on both the IPA and Illinois Shines websites. Should a commenter seek to designate any portion of its response as confidential and proprietary, that commenter should provide both public and redacted versions of its comments. Independent of that designation, if the Agency or the Program Administrator determines that a response contains confidential information that should not be disclosed, the IPA reserves the right to provide its own redactions.
The Agency is greatly interested in hearing directly from Equity Eligible Persons, Equity Eligible Contractors, or those looking to qualify as such, but generally seeks input from a wide array of stakeholders.
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Equity Eligible Contractor – Adjusting EEC Criteria
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
In February 2023 the Illinois Power Agency sought public comment on the waiver for Minimum Equity Standard requirements for entities that have received a REC contract award under the Adjustable Block/Illinois Shines Program or through the IPA’s utility-scale REC procurements for a given Program/delivery year. Following the review and consideration of public comments on the waiver, the Agency finalized the waiver and process for the 2023-2024 Program year/Delivery year beginning June 1, 2023. The proposal, public responses, final waiver, and waiver rationale document are included in the following table. More information on the waiver for Minimum Equity Standard requirements can be found in Section 10.1.3.1 of the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan.
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Minimum Equity Standard Proposal Name
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
- Comments are due by March 26, 2025 and should be submitted to IPA.Contactus@illinois.gov
- Agency to release final REC Prices for the 2025-26 Program Year on April 18, 2025
- Updated REC Prices take effect June 2, 2025
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
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October 2024 Stakeholder Feedback on REC Price Model Cost Inputs
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
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Workshop
The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) has released a Request for Stakeholder Feedback that seeks input on the approach the IPA plans to implement in 2025 to collect cost data on projects participating in the Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All programs. The purpose of collecting Illinois-specific cost data is to improve the modeling used to set Renewable Energy Credit (REC) prices for the programs. The request for feedback includes a proposal for a two-phase approach to starting cost collection and poses specific questions for which the Agency is seeking feedback.
Please provide comments via email attachment to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov with the subject “[Responder’s Name] – Feedback on REC Price Cost Collection.” Written responses to this request for feedback are due November 22, 2024.
The Agency will also hold a workshop on November 14, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. CST to discuss the proposed approach and answer stakeholder questions. Workshop Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2347666367?pwd=UXpnSXFPTjg2Ykg3MTUzek5ON3k3Zz09&omn=8 1377673320 Meeting ID: 234 766 6367 Passcode: a1VTg9
360 Electric
AG Technologies Inc.
Ailey Solar
Carbon Solutions Group
Catalyze
Celestar Solar
Central Road Energy
Certasun, LLC
Chaberton Energy
Harvest Solar, LLC
Joint EEC Parties
Joint Solar Parties
Kapital Electric
Proliance
Prologis
Straight Up Solar
Tick Tock Energy
Ventura Energy Partners
WindSolarUSA Inc.
November 22, 2024
The Agency held a stakeholder workshop on November 14, 2024.
REC Price Model Cost Inputs – Response to Stakeholder Comments
On December 6, 2024, the Illinois Power Agency issued a request for stakeholder feedback and input on the modifications proposed to be made to the REC Contracts used for the Illinois Shines program (also known as the “Adjustable Block Program” or “ABP”) and Illinois Solar for All (“ILSFA”) program (collectively “the programs”).
Responses were originally due December 20, 2024, with the deadline subsequently extended to January 10, 2025, with responses due to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov.
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December 2024 Proposed REC Contract Amendments
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
REC Contract Amendments – Request for Stakeholder Feedback
2024 ABP 15-Year REC Delivery Contract
2024 ABP 20-Year REC Delivery Contract
2022 ABP 15-Year REC Delivery Contract
2022 ABP 20-Year REC Delivery Contract
2021 ABP 15-Year REC Delivery Contract
2021 ABP 20-Year REC Delivery Contract
Responses were originally due December 20, 2024, with the deadline subsequently extended to January 10, 2025.
The Illinois Power Agency has issued a request for comments on the draft of the 2024 draft REC Contracts (which are posted on the Program Documents page) for Illinois Shines. The draft REC Contracts have changes to conform with the ICC’s Final Order on the IPA’s 2024 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan dated February 20, 2024.
Responses are due by April 5, 2024 and should be sent to IPA.Solar@illinois.gov.
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March 2024 Stakeholder Feedback on Draft 2024 REC Contracts
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Public Responses
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Public Comment Deadline
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Requests for Stakeholder Feedback
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REC Contracts
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Stakeholder Feedback
REC Contract Request for Stakeholder Comments – Due December 2, 2021
Community Solar Capacity Allocation Proposal – due November 17, 2021
Block Closing Feedback Proposal – due November 17, 2021
Proposed Approach to Community-Driven Community Solar – due November 9, 2021
Proposed Residential and House of Worship Classifications – due November 4, 2021
Equity Eligible Contractor Proposed Process (Corrected Oct. 21) – due November 4, 2021
Prevailing Wage Requirement Proposed Process – due November 4, 2021
Public School Projects Category – due November 4, 2021
Proposed Process for Collection of Demographic and Geographic Data – due November 4, 2021
Proposed REC Prices for Large DG Category Non-waitlisted Projects – due November 4, 2021
REC Contract Request for Stakeholder Comments – due November 4, 2021
2022 Contracts
ABP 15-Year REC Delivery Contract (Updated August 31, 2022)
ABP 20-Year REC Delivery Contract (Updated August 31, 2022)
Redline ABP REC Contract 1, August 31, 2022 vs ABP REC Contract 1, August 3, 2022
Redline ABP REC Contract 2, August 31, 2022 vs ABP REC Contract 2, August 3, 2022
Redline ABP REC Contract 2, August 31, 2022 vs ABP REC Contract 1, August 31, 2022
ABP 20-Year REC Delivery Contract (Updated August 3, 2022 Draft)
Redline ABP REC Contract 1, August 3, 2022 vs ABP REC Contract 1, March 16, 2022
Redline ABP REC Contract 2, August 3, 2022 vs ABP REC Contract 1, August 3, 2022
Redline ABP REC Contract 2, August 3, 2022 vs ABP REC Contract 2, March 16, 2022
ABP DRAFT REC Contracts Request for Feedback, August 3, 2022
2021 Contracts
November 2021 Draft REC Contracts
As a result of the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662), the Illinois Power Agency issued several Requests for Stakeholder Feedback to solicit comments on various topics as the Agency prepares to open new capacity for the Adjustable Block Program.
Stakeholder comments that the Agency has received have been published below. The page will be updated as the Agency receives stakeholder feedback that is relevant to opening new capacity for the Program.
Ameresco – Proposed Process for Collection of Demographic and Geographic Data
Ameresco – Prevailing Wage Requirement
Ameresco – Public School Projects Category
Carbon Solutions Group – Block Closing Feedback Proposal
Centrica Business Solutions – Public School Projects Category
Chicago Laborers – Prevailing Wage Requirement Proposed Process
Climate Jobs Illinois Commission
Cypress Creek Renewables – Community Solar Capacity Allocation Proposal
Engie – Proposed REC Prices for Large DG Category Non-waitlisted Projects
Engie – Proposed Process for Collection of Demographic and Geographic Data
Engie – Second Draft REC Contract
Future Green Energy Consortium
IDOL – Prevailing Wage Requirement
Joint Non-Governmental Organizations – Community-Driven Community Solar
Joint Solar Parties – Community Solar Capacity Allocation Proposal
Joint Solar Parties – Community-Driven Community Solar
Joint Solar Parties – Demographic Data Collection Comments
Joint Solar Parties – Equity Eligible Contractor Proposed Process
Joint Solar Parties – Prevailing Wage Requirement Proposed Process
Joint Solar Parties – Proposed REC Prices for Large DG Category Non-waitlisted Projects
Joint Solar Parties – Proposed Residential and House of Worship Classifications
Joint Solar Parties – Public School Projects Category
Joint Solar Parties – REC Contract
Joint Solar Parties – Second Draft REC Contract
LiUNA – Prevailing Wage Requirement Proposed Process
LiUNA – Proposed Residential and House of Worship Classifications
Sameer Doshi – Draft REC Contract 1
Sameer Doshi – Second Draft REC Contract 1
Sameer Doshi – Draft REC Contract 2
Sameer Doshi – Second Draft REC Contract 2
Sameer Doshi – Addendum to Second Draft REC Contract 2
SGC Power – Community Solar Capacity Allocation Proposal
SolarStone – Community Solar Capacity Allocation Proposal
Trajectory – Community Driven Community Solar
Trajectory – Public School Projects Category
US Solar – Community Solar Capacity Allocation Proposal
A list of Stakeholder Feedback Requests, as well as their due dates, can be found below:
REC Contract Request for Stakeholder Comments – Due December 2, 2021
Community Solar Capacity Allocation Proposal – due November 17, 2021
Block Closing Feedback Proposal – due November 17, 2021
Proposed Approach Community-Driven Community Solar – due November 9, 2021
Proposed Residential and House of Worship Classifications – due November 4, 2021
Equity Eligible Contractor Proposed Process (Corrected Oct. 21) – due November 4, 2021
Prevailing Wage Requirement Proposed Process – due November 4, 2021
Public School Projects Category – due November 4, 2021
Proposed Process for Collection of Demographic and Geographic Data – due November 4, 2021
Proposed REC Prices for Large DG Category Non-waitlisted Projects – due November 4, 2021
