Solar Powers Illinois' Statement on the Illinois Power Agency's Resource Adequacy Study

Solar Powers Illinois issued the following statement on the IPA's Resource Adequacy Study:

Yesterday, Illinois energy regulators released the Resource Adequacy Study to the Illinois General Assembly, a comprehensive review of the state’s renewables goals, emissions reductions, and the current and projected status of electric resource adequacy and reliability for the next five years. While the study confirms a resource adequacy deficit as early as 2029, thanks to the leadership of Sen. Bill Cunningham, Rep. Jay Hoffman, Rep. Robyn Gabel, Rep. Marcus Evans Jr., Rep. Ann Williams, and Sen. Steve Stadelman, the Illinois General Assembly proactively took steps to address this challenge with the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act, passed in October 2025.

CRGA is an important step to ensure grid reliability and energy affordability while accelerating clean energy development and deployment. CRGA mandates the procurement of at least 3 gigawatts of new energy storage by 2030, delivering the fastest and most cost-effective energy resources to meet the historic levels of energy demand driving the resource adequacy concerns and the energy affordability crisis.

CRGA also introduces strategic initiatives, such as a Virtual Power Plant program, energy efficiency enhancements, and technical improvements to connect more energy to the grid quickly. Not only does CRGA aim to alleviate resource adequacy concerns, but it simultaneously strengthens the reliability of the energy grid, addresses energy affordability, and ensures the Illinois workforce is heavily involved in the construction of energy projects.

Importantly, CRGA reintroduces an Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) process, something Illinois has lacked since deregulation more than 20 years ago. For decades, demand remained flat, but recent years have seen historic energy demand growth, upending a once-predictable energy landscape. By mandating a regular IRP, Illinois will have a transparent, data-driven process to evaluate supply and demand, identify risks, and secure cost-effective solutions. The first IRP will be due in November 2026, ensuring Illinois plans for today, tomorrow, and the future.

While this study underscores serious challenges, Illinois has already taken steps to address resource adequacy – a problem the entire country is facing. With CRGA’s solutions beginning to take effect June 1, 2026, Illinois is on a path to a stronger, more reliable, and more affordable energy future. Solar Powers Illinois applauds Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for their foresight and commitment to building a modernized grid that powers a healthy economy and delivers clean, affordable energy for all.