Groups unify and urge Illinois regulators to align storage roadmap with 1,500 MW clean energy target

CHICAGO, Ill., April 14, 2025 – Illinois clean energy trade associations are unifying and calling for the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) consultant to make critical revisions to its upcoming report on clean energy storage procurement. 

The report, currently in draft form and prepared by an ICC-appointed consultant, is intended to guide the state’s path toward deploying 1,500 megawatts (MW) of energy storage as part of Illinois’ ultimate clean energy and grid reliability goals, a benchmark set by recent legislation. However, the early draft indicates a recommendation of approximately half that amount, prompting a unified response from Illinois’ clean energy industry urging course correction. 

Projections show Illinois will ultimately need 15,000 MW or more of storage to avoid an energy capacity shortfall and price spikes. Industry leaders warn that falling short of this target could hinder progress at a time when Illinois must accelerate clean energy deployment to meet growing demand and avoid energy shortfalls.

The Illinois clean energy industry has recommended changes to the draft report, including:

• Set an initial procurement recommendation of 1,500 MW, rather than 840 MW, to reflect what is viable, ready, and necessary to serve Illinois’ resource needs.
• Hold additional procurements between August 2025 and the end of 2026 that would result in a total of 3,000 MW of storage online by 2030. This puts Illinois on track for what is needed to curb energy shortfalls by 2030.
• Set a clear target for projects coming online by 2035, as decisions are being made now about these projects - which require years to complete. This will encourage companies to stay on course for completion.
• The utility scale procurement should allow both stand-alone and hybrid/co-located projects to be considered. This would ensure a true open market procurement to bring the most cost-effective projects forward for ratepayer benefit. 

The final study is due to the ICC on May 1 and will take into account feedback to the draft from stakeholders including the energy industry, environmental groups, organized labor, and utilities. Learn more about the study and view its current draft here.

HB 3758 / SB 2497—recently proposed legislation from Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) and Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago)—presents a cost-effective solution to Illinois’ clean energy storage needs. Learn more here or read the full bill text here. 

What is the Clean Energy Industry Saying?

Erika Kowall, Director of Midwestern State Affairs, American Clean Power:

"ACP applauds the initial steps taken by the legislature to authorize a 1,500 MW energy storage procurement this year. Illinois needs energy storage on its grid. And it needs a significant amount. Energy storage is a unique and critical tool to develop a more flexible and adaptive grid. It is imperative that state leaders address remaining barriers to deployment and meet the needs of Illinois ratepayers and electricity consumers while deploying resources to address rising energy demand."

Jeff Danielson, Vice President of Advocacy, Clean Grid Alliance:

"Illinois has a generational opportunity to provide grid reliability and affordability at the same time, in a sustainable way, by sending a clear market signal to build battery storage. Meeting CEJA goals and responding to market demand for more power, there needs to be a long-run plan that's right-sized for Illinois. Building upon the excellent work of the ICC, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work during the remainder of the legislative session to make Illinois a national leader in grid reliability and affordability by harnessing the benefits of battery storage."

Andrew Linhares, Senior Manager Central Region, Solar Energy Industries Association: 

“Illinois can meet its clean energy goals and respond to rising energy demand, but it’ll take a real roadmap to get there. The solar and storage industry encourages the Illinois Commerce Commission to propose a storage procurement plan that meets the state's current storage goal of 1,500 megawatts. At the same time, we look forward to working with state leaders to pass comprehensive energy storage legislation that will protect ratepayers’ wallets, strengthen the grid, and ensure Illinois remains a clean energy leader for the foreseeable future.”

Stephanie Burgos-Veras, Senior Manager for Equity Programs, Coalition for Community Solar Access: 

“To keep Illinois on track toward its clean energy and reliability goals, the state must make bold, strategic investments in energy storage. We urge the Illinois Commerce Commission to advance a storage procurement plan that meets the state’s current target of 1,500 megawatts. These steps are essential to building a reliable, affordable, and equitable grid for all Illinoisans.”

Lesley McCain, Executive Director, Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association: 

“Illinois is facing all-time high demands for energy, and we must act now to protect homeowners from the risks of blackouts and rising energy costs. Building the infrastructure to meet this demand takes time and strategic planning, so we must act swiftly and deliberately. The proposed changes not only help Illinois stay on track with its clean energy goals, but they also show our commitment to delivering affordable, sustainable solutions that put the needs of families first, today and into the future.”

Trish Demeter, Managing Director, Advanced Energy United:

“Due to Governor JB Pritzker’s leadership and the steadfast leaders in the Illinois legislature, the state is an energy transition leader. We urge Illinois’ leaders to continue tackling the complex issues around meeting the state’s ambitious goals, and to not hold back on energy storage as a big part of the solution to meet growing energy demand, keep costs low, and help shore up grid reliability.”