What Is Illinois’ CRGA Bill? Everything You Need to Know About the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act.
- Solar Powers Illinois
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
Key Takeaways:
CRGA will help lower Illinois energy prices by up to $13 billion over the next 20 years
By passing CRGA, Illinois became one of the first states to respond to the nationwide energy affordability crisis
CRGA went into effect on June 1, 2026. Its cost savings will be realized over time as the law is implemented, but there are still several immediate ways consumers can save money on their electric bills.
Energy prices are increasing across the nation, but relief is on the way for Illinois. That is because Illinois enacted the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) in 2026, becoming one of the first states in the country to pass legislation to lower prices.
Here’s everything you need to know about this landmark legislation.
What is CRGA?
CRGA, also known as the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, is an Illinois law passed in October 2025 and signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in January 2026. CRGA centers on making smart, targeted energy investments to lower Illinois residents’ ComEd and Ameren bills.
The Illinois Power Agency projects CRGA will save Illinois consumers more than $13 billion over the next 20 years on their electricity bills.
CRGA was passed at a critical moment, as Illinois residents’ electricity bills increased as much as 50% in 2025. Experts, such as Mark Pruitt, former Executive Director of the Illinois Power Agency, projected that if Illinois had not enacted CRGA, prices would have continued to increase indefinitely as energy demand grew and supply remained flat. Solar and storage are the fastest and most cost-effective forms of energy to build, so CRGA was the best solution available to prevent annual price increases.
What Does CRGA Do for Illinois?
CRGA has numerous improvements that will lower electricity bills, but a handful of policies will have the most impact:
Energy Storage: Thanks to CRGA, Illinois will build 3 GW of energy storage, a burgeoning technology that stores excess power from solar panels. That energy is then used when it is most needed, such as during a power outage or when people use electricity more than usual like hot days.
Virtual Power Plants: CRGA allows Illinois to create Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). This new technology pools power from smaller sources, like rooftop solar panels or electric vehicles, and redirects it around across the grid to help lower demand when energy is most expensive (during “peak usage” when people are using the most power). Owners of those power sources get compensation for the energy they provide to the grid.
Integrated Resource Planning: Energy demand remained flat for decades, and recent changes like data centers and advanced manufacturing are using more power than is available. CRGA helps Illinois better plan for future energy demand over the next 20 years to avoid price hikes.
Energy Efficiency: CRGA improves Illinois’ existing energy efficiency programs, helping lower energy usage, stress on the grid, and energy prices.
Increasing Solar and Storage Access: CRGA increased state funding for Illinois Solar for All, which helps low-income households, nonprofits, public buildings, or schools install solar for $0 down. It will also create a Storage for All program to allow more people to get storage.
When Will CRGA Go Into Effect?
Implementation began on June 1, 2026. Programs will be launched on an ongoing basis. Stay updated by subscribing to our newsletter and monitoring official sources like the Illinois Power Agency, Illinois Shines, and the Illinois Solar for All program.
What’s the Difference Between CRGA, CEJA, and FEJA?
Illinois has passed multiple major energy and climate bills over the last decade, which all contribute to the state’s overall goal of moving to clean energy.
Here is a breakdown of some of the most significant each bill to help you tell them apart:
Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) – 2016: Created Illinois Shines, Illinois Solar for All, and a community solar program to help more people access clean energy regardless of income level or homeownership status; greatly expanded energy efficiency programs; created job training programs to help workers begin careers in clean energy.
Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) – 2021: Strengthened Illinois Shines and Illinois Solar for All; created a CEJA workforce hub network to build a stronger clean energy workforce; established new electric vehicle rebates.
Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) – 2026: Saves Illinois residents $13 billion by building energy storage; enables Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) to pool energy from multiple sources and lower costs; creates even more energy efficiency standards to save residents money.
Will CRGA Lower Prices Right Away?
Energy prices are set more than a year in advance during events called “capacity auctions.” The organizations that operate Illinois’ power grid hold these auctions to determine what it will cost to provide your utility (like ComEd or Ameren) with as much energy as they need.
Because current prices are already set (ComEd prices were set in December 2025 and Ameren prices in March 2026), CRGA is focused on building savings that last year over year. CRGA is projected to save residents over $13 billion over the next two decades.
Power plants take years to plan, build, and connect to the grid, regardless of the technology used. Solar and storage are the fastest and most cost-effective power sources to get online, so it was critical for Illinois to pass CRGA to start lowering prices over time.
What Can I Do Now to Lower Energy Prices?
If you need immediate relief, here’s how you can lower your energy bill this summer:
Install solar panels on your home. View our 2026 Solar & Storage Savings Guide HERE.
Subscribe to a local community solar project to save up to 20% on your bill without installing panels on your home.
Take basic steps to cool your home, such as closing your curtains or blinds during the day.
Unplug devices and appliances that draw large amounts of power when not in use. Read a guide to reduce these “vampire energy” costs HERE.
Weatherize your home with some simple DIY projects like sealing cracks, adding insulation to water pipes or your water heater, or placing weather strips at windows and doors.
You may also be eligible for the Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program; learn more HERE.
Utilize the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Find your local LIHEAP administrator HERE.
This post was originally published July 7, 2026. It was fact-checked by Solar Powers Illinois experts Illinois Solar Energy & Storage Association (ISEA) Executive Director Lesley McCain; ISEA Policy Director Regina McCormack; and Stephanie Burgos-Veras, Senior Policy Manager, Coalition for Community Solar Access.