The Illinois Commerce Commission recently adopted Illinois’ first Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP). The plan provides a framework to ensure that the state is meeting its goals for decarbonization by 2050.

Passed in September 2021, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (102-SB2408) requires the ICC to develop and adopt a REAP and revisit the plan in 2025 and every two years after.

The REAP covers five strategic areas:

• Tracking Progress: Outlining the required level of renewable energy access.
• Transitioning to 100% Clean Electricity Mix: Evaluating incentives and enforcement mechanisms to support investment in a diverse and reliable mix of energy resources.
• Managing Land Use: Addressing land use management for renewable deployment and transmission development through REAP Zones.
• Transmission Planning: Focusing on the effective use of existing transmission infrastructure and planning for future needs.
• Regional Markets Capitalization: Exploring opportunities to utilize regional electricity markets and trade to enhance resource efficiency and reliability.

The plan was developed in collaboration with ICC staff, The Brattle Group, and Great Lakes Engineering. It aims to provide a clear path for meeting the state’s clean electricity requirements and facilitating the deployment of renewable energy.

The plan can be found HERE.