Legislation in Illinois Would Increase Renewable Energy Mandate
Many states are taking the initiative to address climate challenges by reducing their carbon footprint. Nineteen U.S. governors, including Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, have joined the United States Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement.1 That includes support for carbon-free energy sources such as nuclear, solar and wind to reduce total carbon emissions.2
In early January, Governor Pritzker signed an executive order joining the U.S. Climate Alliance, which is an important step in Illinois meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.3 However, to accomplish this goal, the state will need to create a 26-28% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 from 2005 levels ̶ Illinois is currently at about 16% since 2005.
How can you reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Suppliers often provide solutions like renewable energy certificates (RECs) as a way of allowing customers to purchase energy from renewable sources. RECs are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity is generated and delivered to the electricity grid from a renewable energy resource.4 Illinois customers can obtain RECs from renewable resources located within the regional electricity grid as well through more advanced methods of incorporating renewable resources into their retail power purchasing agreements if that meets their sustainability needs.
While the Future of Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) passed in 2016 does ensure that 25% of Illinois’ energy is generated by renewables, more commitment to replacing traditional energy sources with renewable energy is needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. 3 Another solution that will help meet this goal is solar energy. Many companies are also increasing their commitment to sustainability and specifically sourcing energy from renewable sources like solar to meet these commitments. FEJA also specifically outlines the procurement of community solar and distributed solar as a way to meet the state’s goals.6
What Does This Mean for Customers?
The focus on meeting renewable energy goals in the state means that suppliers like Constellation, are offering more energy solutions that contribute to the state’s clean energy goals. This is important, because currently, commercial and industrial businesses, and residential homes account for more than 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.7
For example, as a part of your electric supply, Constellation offers RECs as a way to match a percentage of your load with supply from a renewable source as well as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) for your natural gas supply. We also have a variety of renewable energy and other carbon-free solutions that commercial and industrial businesses can choose from to help power their businesses. These solutions offer our customers with the opportunity to more proactively limit their carbon footprints.
To learn more about how the legislation might impact your energy bill or discuss available carbon-free and renewable energy options, contact Rich Cialabrini at [email protected] or 888.312.1563 or visit associations.constellation.com/MAGNIFICENT/ to learn more about Constellation’s energy program with the Magnificent Mile Association.