Illinois Utilities Report $1.7 Billion in Diverse Spending, ICC Finds (Springfield, IL) – Illinois’ largest utility companies spent more than $1.7 billion with diverse suppliers in 2024, maintaining strong investment levels despite a slight dip from previous years, according to a new report from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
The ICC’s Office of Diversity and Community Affairs released its 2025 Annual Supplier Diversity Report, which analyzes data from the state’s six largest investor-owned utilities. The report found that, on average, nearly 35% of total utility spending went to diverse suppliers, including minority-, women-, veteran-, and small business-owned enterprises. Some utilities reported diverse spending as high as 43%.
ICC Chairman Doug Scott said the continued investment reflects positively on both businesses and the state’s economy.
“Healthy supplier diversity investment from Illinois utility companies is good for business and Illinois’ overall economy,” Scott said. “These annual reports help us to spot trends and obstacles and identify opportunities for improvement and collaboration.”
The report covers a decade of data from Illinois’ “Big 6” utilities: Ameren Illinois, Aqua Illinois, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), Illinois American Water, Nicor Gas, and Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas. State law requires these companies to report annually on their supplier diversity efforts and future procurement plans.
While diverse spending declined slightly in 2024 after nearly a decade of steady growth, ICC officials say overall investment remains strong.
“After nine years of steady growth, more important work remains to be done,” said Jeanine V. Robinson, director of the ICC’s Office of Diversity and Community Affairs. “Over the next year, our office will continue to expand opportunities and increase spending with Illinois-based businesses.”
The report also highlights areas for improvement, particularly in high-spend categories with relatively low supplier diversity participation. These include fleet services, information technology outsourcing, and software maintenance.
Nearly 60% of all diverse spending by the utilities went to Illinois-based businesses, with total participation among minority-, women-, and veteran-owned firms ranging between roughly 13% and 30% depending on the category.
State officials noted that Illinois has been a national leader in supplier diversity policy. In 2017, it became the first state to require wind and solar energy suppliers to report on supply chain diversity efforts.
The ICC and partner agencies continue to support diverse businesses through outreach, mentoring programs, and state initiatives. Businesses are encouraged to participate in programs offered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, including those tied to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
Illinois Utilities Report $1.7 Billion in Diverse Spending, ICC Finds
