Advocacy for Prioritizing Energy Storage Projects in Energy Transition Communities (Chicago, IL) — As Illinois moves toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, it is crucial that the communities hardest hit by the loss of jobs and economic stability—especially those impacted by the closure of coal plants and mines—are not left behind. The proposed “Small and Fast” energy bill presents a significant opportunity for policymakers to make a difference, and advocates are urging that the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) be directed to uphold the policies and precedents established in the 2024 Illinois Power Agency Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan.
A key aspect of this plan is the prioritization of Energy Transition Community Grant (ETCG) areas when procuring energy storage projects. This practice is in alignment with the Illinois Power Agency Act, which mandates the promotion of diversity and equity in both workforce participation and contractor selection. Additionally, the IPA is tasked with optimizing the procurement of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) from utility-scale projects in communities eligible for ETCG funding.
Under the current procurement process, projects located in ETCG areas receive a 10% price adjustment to make them more competitive in the bidding process. This adjustment helps level the playing field for communities that have long suffered from economic displacement due to the closure of power plants and coal mines. For instance, if the lowest bid for an energy storage project is $50 per unit, and a project from an ETCG area bids $65, the price adjustment will lower the ETCG project’s bid to $60. This ensures that ETCG projects are more likely to be selected, without sacrificing their original bid price.
The Energy Transition Community Grant Program, established by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) in 2021, was created specifically to address the economic and environmental needs of communities affected by the decline of the coal industry. By investing in energy storage technology, these communities have the opportunity to revitalize their economies and become key players in the clean energy transition. However, without prioritization, these areas risk being excluded from the benefits of this transition.
Dr. Cornel Darden Jr., Chairman of the Greater Chicagoland Black Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of ensuring that these historically marginalized communities are not left behind in Illinois’s clean energy transformation. “As we move toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, it is essential that we do not leave behind the communities that have historically powered our state,” said Dr. Darden. “The Energy Transition Community Grant Program offers a unique opportunity to ensure that these areas benefit from the clean energy revolution, rather than being sidelined by it. By directing the Illinois Power Agency to prioritize energy storage projects in these communities, we not only promote environmental sustainability but also invest in the long-term economic recovery and well-being of those who have been impacted by the closure of power plants and coal mines. It is our duty to create an equitable path forward that strengthens all of Illinois.”
Advocates are calling for the Illinois legislature to ensure that the IPA applies the same preference for energy storage projects in ETCG areas as it currently does for solar projects. This shift in policy will help address the unique challenges faced by these communities, promoting both economic inclusion and environmental sustainability. By supporting energy storage investments, the state can help build a more resilient future for these historically disadvantaged regions.
As the state continues to embrace clean energy technologies, it is vital that lawmakers take action to prioritize the needs of those communities that have borne the brunt of the transition. By ensuring that energy storage projects are prioritized in these areas, Illinois can move closer to achieving a just and equitable clean energy future.
It is now up to Illinois legislators to take meaningful action in support of these communities, ensuring that the benefits of the clean energy transition reach all corners of the state.
Advocacy for Prioritizing Energy Storage Projects in Energy Transition Communities
