Illinois’ REAP program is leading the way to the state’s clean energy future

On May 31, 2024, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) adopted the final Renewable Energy Access Plan (REAP), laying out a path to the state’s clean energy future. The goal of REAP is to create an actionable plan that meets Illinois’ goals Climate and Fair Employment Act (CEJA), providing the necessary scaffolding to ensure that the country can decarbonize its electricity supply mix in a fair, affordable and timely manner. Although there is still much work to be done, this version of REAP represents a significant step forward.

A step towards more comprehensive state energy planning

Illinois’ transition to 100% clean energy is already underway, and it is critical for the state to plan for greater penetration of renewable energy sources and phase-out of fossil fuels on the horizon. Without a plan, Illinois risks needlessly maintaining fossil fuel generators that are both wasteful and hazardous to human health. With the plan, Illinois can reliably replace retiring dirty capacity with clean sources of wind, solar and flexible resources like energy storage.
Fortunately, REAP has pioneered an approach that is well-equipped to ensure proper replacement of power sources and maintain system reliability. CEJA’s first pension threshold begins in 2030, and to prepare for this, REAP is tasking ICC staff with annually monitoring progress towards CEJA targets for 2025-2029. These efforts support a joint study required by law that will be conducted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Energy Agency and the ICC in 2025 and every five years thereafter; aims to meet the state’s future reliability needs and identify potential short-term challenges and solutions. It is clear that 2025 will be a critical year for planning for Illinois, and it is imperative that this research be conducted in a comprehensive, complementary, and maintained to the highest standard.

REAP also requires several other important studies, including an assessment of the environmental justice impacts of continuing fossil fuel power generation and a study of economy-wide decarbonization. Combining together, these efforts provide an opportunity to identify and implement strategies that support a 50% Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by 2040 and ensure the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions produced by fossil fuels by 2045. The results of this research will shed light to the various paths Illinois can take to ensure that CEJA’s goals are not only achievable, but achievable in a timely manner.

Promoting short-term network solutions such as network improvement technologies

Technologies to improve the network (GET) are important near-term solutions that can improve the efficiency of Illinois’ grid operations and complement the push for long-term transmission solutions. REAP highlights the importance of implementing these advanced transmission technologies for Illinois to achieve its RPS and decarbonization goals. Accordingly, it also highlights the numerous benefits that GETs offer: from increasing the “capacity and value of new transmission projects” to “eliminating transmission congestion, reducing transmission congestion costs and helping integrate renewable resources.”

REAP ensures that the ICC is responsible for promoting the adoption of GET by coordinating the efforts of utilities and regional transmission organizations (RTOs) to incorporate these advanced technologies as solutions in transmission planning processes. The plan sets a precedent for other states to follow suit, balancing prioritization of cost-effective, short-term solutions like GET while pursuing longer-term solutions.

Encouraging proactive coordination between Illinois and RTOs

Encouraging coordination between state RTOs and state RTOs – MISO and PJM – is an important, long-term effort to ensure that RTO processes meaningfully support CEJA’s goals. REAP is tasking ICC staff with supporting reforms that will improve both interconnection and transmission planning processes. For example, REAP requires the ICC to identify a set of REAP Zones, reflecting areas of the Illinois grid that have strong short- and long-term potential for renewable energy development. REAP zones are intended to be presented to RTOs and recognized by them as inputs to enable more proactive transmission expansion.

Interconnection delays pose a real threat to CEJA’s objectives. Taking the first step toward better coordination with RTOs is an opportunity for Illinois to actively advocate for regional reforms that will ultimately accelerate the development of renewable energy sources in the state. REAP highlights the important role states can play in RTO processes and formalizes Illinois’ responsibility as a leader in this space.

Overall, REAP reiterates Illinois’ commitment to achieving a clean energy future, leading the way forward and setting an example for the rest of the Midwest. Now is the time to get started on implementing this plan and making Illinois’ commitments a reality.