Public Accountability Report

The Illinois Power Agency Act seeks to provide Illinois electric consumers with adequate, reliable, affordable, efficient, and environmentally sustainable electric service at the lowest total cost over time. To that end, the Illinois Power Agency (“IPA”) is required by statute to develop electricity procurement plans to ensure electric service at the lowest total cost, taking into account any benefits of price stability. The electricity procurement plan is updated on an annual basis. The calendar year 2021 Procurement Plan developed by the IPA, and approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, included the procurement of energy resources for Ameren Illinois, ComEd, and MidAmerican Energy. Those procurements took place in April and September 2021.

To support the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard, the Agency develops a Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan, which is updated every two years. The first update of that plan was completed in the spring of 2020 and the next update will be completed in 2022. The Agency conducts competitive procurements for new utility-scale wind and solar projects and for brownfield site solar projects, and administers the Adjustable Block Program to support the development of solar projects for Illinois homes and businesses, and the Illinois Solar for All Program to support the development of solar projects for low-income households and communities.

Public Act 102-0662 (the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act) enacted in September 2021 will significantly expand the budget and goals of the Renewable Portfolio Standard, expand procurements and program scope, and include a new emphasis on labor, equity, and diversity standards.