Support the Solar Fix

Illinois’ renewable portfolio standard (RPS) law that passed in 2007 requires 25 percent of the state’s power to come from clean sources by 2025. The RPS has kept utility bills low for families and businesses, created new jobs and eliminated harmful air and water pollution. Yet a glitch in state law has broken the RPS, halting clean energy development in Illinois.

Two pending bills—SB 103 (Sen. Harmon) and HB 2864 (Rep. Mautino)—would fix the RPS, which 77 percent of Illinois voters support. When the RPS law was written, most customers purchased their energy through their utility. With most now buying power through competitive suppliers, the structure of the original law has broken down, stranding millions meant for investment in renewable energy and halting development.

Legislators can fix the RPS at no additional cost, jumpstarting billions of dollars of clean energy development. The RPS fix would: preserve consumer protections and keep rate caps in place; give the Illinois Power Agency and businesses greater flexibility to meet their energy needs; and create new jobs and economic development, including in hard-hit areas of Illinois.

Let your legislators know you support the fix. Visit IllinoisSolar.org for more information. Lisa Albrecht is a Renewable Energy Specialist with Solar Service, Inc.