Illinois Sets the Gold Standard for Clean Energy with the CRGA.
- Nick Andrade
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Illinois has taken a major step toward a cleaner and more reliable energy future with the passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA). This sweeping energy package modernizes the state’s electric grid, expands battery storage, accelerates renewable energy deployment, and creates a more predictable environment for developers and consumers.
The bill also creates a new “Storage for All” program, to help target energy storage deployment in underserved and environmental justice communities, to complement the work that is already being done under Illinois’ Solar for All program.
With this legislation, Illinois has positioned itself as one of the most forward-leaning clean energy markets in the country and a model for other states navigating their own grid modernization challenges.
What is CRGA and Why It Matters
The CRGA is an energy omnibus bill that updates planning, procurement, interconnection, siting, and grid reliability processes across Illinois. It is intended to support statewide electrification, encourage private-sector clean energy investment, and give utilities and state agencies a coordinated framework to meet growing electricity demand.
According to an analysis conducted by the Illinois Power Agency, CRGA will bring up to 17.4 GWs of additional renewable energy online by 2035.
5 Key CRGA Provisions
A Commitment to Energy Storage
Illinois will procure 3 gigawatts of battery storage by 2030, including more than 1 gigawatt within the first 90 days after the law takes effect.
Additionally, the bill establishes a rebate for standalone distributed energy storage in addition to battery storage paired with community solar projects. Distributed connected Energy Storage projects will be eligible for a $250/kWh rebate, in addition to revenue through the newly created Virtual Power Plant program.
Expanded Renewable Investment Framework
The CRGA allows Illinois to adjust its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) expenditure limit annually to reflect inflation, giving the state a more flexible and responsive funding structure for renewable energy programs.
Beginning in 2027, funding previously allocated to the Zero Emission Credit program will be folded into the RPS budget, adding approximately 235 million dollars per year to support new renewable energy development.
This shift strengthens long-term renewable investment in Illinois and helps ensure continued momentum for solar and wind deployment across the state.
Illinois’s First Integrated Resource Planning Process
For the first time, Illinois will adopt a new statewide Integrated Resource Planning (IRP). Every four years, state agencies and utilities will evaluate anticipated electricity needs, resource availability, grid capacity, reliability risks, and policy alignment.
Proactive planning is a critical step to ensuring the grid is set up for success in the coming growth years as the construction of data centers leads to increasing system wide demand. Additionally, the increasing regularity of damaging storms intensifies the need for a resilient and safe grid. The Integrated Resource Planning Process achieves this goal by creating a structured and forward-looking roadmap for renewable growth, storage deployment, and transmission planning.
Streamlined Siting Standards and Developer Protections
The CRGA establishes statewide minimum standards for siting solar, wind, and battery projects. It provides more consistent fee structures across counties and creates new battery-specific siting rules.
It also establishes a new Illinois Commerce Commission Siting Appeals Board to resolve disputes between developers and local governments more efficiently, significantly reducing delays.
The bill additionally introduces a Solar Bill of Rights, preventing non home-rule counties and municipalities from prohibiting solar installations.
Establishing a Virtual Power Plant Program
Both standalone and paired distributed level energy storage projects that receive a rebate are required to participate in the newly created Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program. Energy storage will be compensated for deploying during established peak windows, increasing grid reliability during times when the system is particularly stressed by high demand.
The bill directs the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve a VPP program to begin in summer 2026. The newly created program will ensure grid stability and increase grid flexibility as demand surges
What Impact Does the CRGA have on Solar Developers?
Well.. a big one. From a development perspective, the CRGA is one of the most supportive pieces of clean energy legislation in the Midwest. It creates a transparent and stable environment for large-scale project investment.
More Predictable Market Conditions
The CRGA gives developers a clearer view of the long-term clean energy landscape in Illinois. The new integrated planning process requires the state to regularly evaluate future electricity needs, resource availability, and grid capacity, which creates consistent guidance on when and where new renewable projects will be needed.
Combined with expanded renewable procurement targets and a more stable funding framework, the CRGA reduces uncertainty around market demand and program timing. This allows solar developers to plan multi-year pipelines with greater confidence, secure land earlier, and align projects with future procurement cycles rather than reacting to shifting policy signals.
Expanded Community Solar and Storage Opportunities
The CRGA strengthens Illinois’s community solar framework and adds new incentives for battery storage, creating a clearer pathway for developers to pair the two technologies. This opens the door to more hybrid solar plus storage projects that can deliver both energy and reliability benefits.
With storage now supported through defined programs and rebate structures, community solar projects can better manage peak demand, smooth output, and provide more consistent value to subscribers. For community solar developers this creates new project configurations, new revenue opportunities, and a more competitive position as the state prioritizes resources that support both clean energy and grid stability.
Reduced Local Barriers
Statewide siting standards and the new appeals process greatly reduce inconsistent local barriers. Developers benefit from fewer unknowns related to zoning, fees, and permitting outcomes.
The Future of Clean Energy Development in Illinois
The CRGA is more than an energy bill. It is a long-term commitment to a cleaner, stronger, and more reliable future for Illinois. By strengthening the state’s planning process, opening new pathways for storage, and creating fair, consistent siting rules, Illinois has built a framework that developers can trust.
For the solar industry, this is a pivotal moment. With clear direction, stable investment signals, and fewer roadblocks, Illinois is becoming a national example of how to accelerate renewable energy responsibly and effectively. As the CRGA rolls out, we look forward to playing an active role in delivering the next wave of clean energy projects that will power communities for generations to come.
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