While innovative clean energy strategies have lost much of their support at the federal level, states are stepping in to fill the gap.

Earlier this month, Illinois adopted a bold plan to reduce energy costs that relies heavily on clean and innovative energy technologies. Gov. Pritzker signed the so-called Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), SB 25, on Jan. 8.

The act was co-sponsored by State Sens. Stadelman, Cuningham and Feigenholtz, and State Reps. Hoffman, Williams and Kifowit. It contains provisions designed to lower costs by requiring utilities to meet certain targets for increased clean energy capacity.

For example, it establishes a state procurement for battery storage that will require utilities to deploy 3 gigawatts of grid-scale battery storage by the year 2030.

The law opens the door for greater development of nuclear power by lifting the state’s 40-year ban on the development of large-scale reactors. Legislators lifted a similar ban on the building of small-scale reactors in 2023.

The CRGA requires utilities to create virtual power plant programs that will encourage more homes and businesses to embrace renewables and energy efficiency technology, like solar panels, smart thermostats, small batteries and electric vehicles. The legislation also provides funding to expand energy efficiency and weatherization programs to help households and businesses lower energy use and energy bills.

The act also clears a path for expanding solar power by increasing the maximum size for community solar projects to 10 megawatts and establishing a “Solar Bill of Rights” that will make it easier for residents served by utilities to install rooftop solar panels.

The governor and legislators have emphasized the cost-saving benefits of the legislation. Pritzker notes the Illinois Power Agency found the CRGA is “expected to save Illinois energy customers $13.4 billion over the next two decades.”

The CRGA goes into effect on June 1, 2026.