Illinois advances clean, affordable energy with CRGA.

Illinois passed the Climate and Resilience Grid Act (CRGA) to expand storage, efficiency, and virtual power plant programs and to support clean energy investment after federal budget changes were reported to put about 15 solar and storage projects in the state at risk.

Illinois has passed the Climate and Resilience Grid Act (CRGA) to expand clean energy, storage, and affordability programs. The law followed reports that recent federal budget changes weakened provisions that previously supported clean energy growth. Those federal changes were reported to put about 15 major solar and storage projects in Illinois at risk, creating uncertainty for clean energy workers and businesses. Supporters say CRGA is intended to provide greater economic certainty and to build on prior state energy laws. Key facts: - The article reports the recent federal budget weakened parts of the Inflation Reduction Act and that about 15 major Illinois solar and storage projects were put at risk as a result. - The article says Illinois lawmakers and Governor J.B. Pritzker developed and passed CRGA to support storage, energy efficiency, a Virtual Power Plant program, and broader clean energy investment. - The article states CRGA builds on earlier state laws (the 2017 Future Energy and Jobs Act and the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act) and reports the law aims to protect jobs and reduce long-term energy costs; specific implementation timelines are not detailed. Summary: Supporters say CRGA responds to recent federal changes by aiming to stabilize clean energy investment, expand storage and efficiency programs, and lower energy costs for Illinois residents and businesses. Undetermined at this time.