Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan

On April 3, 2018, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued an order approving the Illinois Power Agency’s (IPA) Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan (LTRRPP), which describes how the IPA plans to implement programs and procurements to achieve Illinois’ goal of 25% electricity from renewables by 2025.

The approved LTRRPP covers the IPA’s proposals for procurements and programs that IPA will conduct during calendar years 2018 and 2019, which include procurements for utility-scale wind and brownfield solar planned for the first half of 2018. Specifically, IPA is holding two procurements in the first half of 2018 to obtain 800,000 RECs for new solar. The first of those two procurement events ended on March 26, 2018, and the second new solar procurement is currently underway, with a completion date of May 7, 2018. Regarding utility-scale wind, the ICC ordered IPA to increase the long-term utility-scale wind “first subsequent forward” procurement, scheduled for summer 2018, to at least 2 million RECs.

The ICC also ordered that IPA eliminate spot REC procurements from existing resources in order to prioritize long-term contracts over short-term annual goals. Finally, the ICC ordered that municipal electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives may participate in the adjustable block program, the community renewable generation program, and the Illinois Solar for All program.

The IPA will amend its LTRRPP in accordance with ICC’s order and is expected to update the plan again in 2019.

For more information, contact the Barnes & Thornburg attorney with whom you work, or one of the following: Ralph Dudziak at ralph.dudziak@btlaw.com or 312-214-5618; Michael Elam at michael.elam@btlaw.com or 312-214-5630; Ashley Parr at ashley.parr@btlaw.com or 312-214-4842; or Eli Korer at eli.korer@btlaw.com or 312-214-4843.

© 2018 Barnes & Thornburg LLP. All Rights Reserved. This page, and all information on it, is proprietary and the property of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. It may not be reproduced, in any form, without the express written consent of Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

This Barnes & Thornburg LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning your situation.
Visit us online at www.btlaw.com and follow us on Twitter @BTLawNews.