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HB 3758 / SB 2497 will proactively address impending energy challenges facing Illinois by creating 15,000 MW of clean energy storage, which would reduce energy costs for Illinois families and businesses, prevent blackouts, create jobs, and help Illinois meet its climate goals.
Illinois is currently on a trajectory for our energy demand to outpace our supply in just a few years. This will cause dramatic increases in energy costs and put the state at greater risk of blackouts. If Illinois’ clean energy and storage development is not strengthened to close this gap, it will lead to increased likelihood of power outages and rising energy bills.
Not only will HB 3758 / SB 2497 create a robust clean energy storage ecosystem in Illinois, but it will also make other improvements to hasten the pace of adding energy supply to the grid to further reduce costs, as well as establishing a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program, which allows small-scale resources to push combined energy to the grid.
In summary, the goal of HB 3758 / SB 2497 is to improve the reliability of the Illinois energy grid that powers the Illinois economy while delivering net cost savings to Illinois consumers and economic benefits to Illinois between 2030 and 2049, further ushering in a golden age of future energy.
What is the purpose of HB 3758 / SB 2497? Illinois is at risk of a potential energy crisis, and HB 3758 / SB 2497 is a proactive solution to address it. By 2030, Illinois is on track to having higher energy demand than supply, which could increase the likelihood of power blackouts and will increase monthly energy bills. HB 3758/ SB 2497 creates the first energy storage ecosystem for Illinois, mandating the construction of 15 GW of clean energy storage to increase Illinois’ energy supply. This will help reduce energy costs for Illinois families and businesses, reduce the likelihood of blackouts, create strong union jobs, and help Illinois meet its climate goals. Additionally, HB 3758 / SB 2497 will speed up the process in which energy projects are connected to the grid and establish the state’s first Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program, which allows small-scale resources to push combined energy to the grid, further increasing grid reliability and reducing ratepayer costs.
What are the benefits of this bill for Illinois residents? The two biggest benefits of this bill will be lowering energy costs for Illinois families and businesses and strengthening the Illinois energy grid. Over the next 20 years, Illinois residents are expected to save up to $2.4 billion through reduced energy costs and a stronger energy grid. For example, a stronger energy grid will help reduce the likelihood of power outages, which will deliver up to $7.3 billion in savings before 2050.
How will this bill help Illinois’ energy grid? Illinois has an advanced energy grid, and is a national energy leader, exporting energy to neighboring states and leading the nation with its clean energy legislation and transition. This bill will help ensure Illinois remains an energy leader by adding more energy supply to the grid, diversifying Illinois energy, strengthening the grid, preventing power outages, and ensuring the state can meet its environmental goals as well as rapidly increasing energy demand, largely driven by energy-intensive industries like AI, quantum computing, and data centers investing in Illinois.
What is a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Program? The Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program pools energy from distributed sources like solar panels and battery storage systems. This energy is dispatched to the grid when needed – for example when the sun is down or wind isn’t blowing, or when power costs are highest – enhancing grid stability during peak usage, improving reliability, and reducing costs for consumers.
What are the economic benefits of this bill for Illinois? The energy grid is the backbone of the Illinois economy. Stable, low energy costs and reliable power are critical to attracting business investments. HB 3758 / SB 2497 supports the state’s economic competitiveness, helping attract and retain energy-demanding industries, such as AI and data centers, while ensuring affordable energy for residents. Additionally, building 15 GW of energy storage can generate up to $16.2 billion in economic activity and create over 115,000 family-supporting jobs for Illinois.
Why is energy storage so important for Illinois? Energy storage is crucial because it allows us to store excess energy produced during periods of high renewable energy generation (like sunny or windy days) and use it when energy demand is high, or when renewable resources are unavailable (like at night or when it is not windy). This will help maintain grid stability, avoid a projected energy shortfall, and keep energy prices in check.
What is the 15 GW storage standard? HB 3758 / SB 2497 sets a procurement target of 15,000 MW (15 GW) of energy storage capacity for Illinois. This means creating enough storage to hold and distribute large amounts of energy, which will stabilize the grid, reduce the chances of power outages, and lower costs for families and businesses.
Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program Delivers a curriculum that prepares trainees for jobs in energy efficiency, solar and wind energy, energy storage, and electric vehicle industries. It also includes job readiness skills, certification test preparedness, the development of soft skills, and relevant technical skills.
Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program Provides eligible contractors with access to low-cost capital, support for obtaining insurance, assistance registering to become vendors for state incentive programs, connections with firms hiring contractors and subcontractors, and other vital services. Participating contractors will receive training, mentoring and support to build their businesses, connect to projects, compete for capital, and execute clean energy-related project installations and subcontracts. The 13 incubators will be geographically distributed across Illinois. $21 million is allocated to this program each year, subject to appropriation.
Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program Provides training to prepare people to succeed in apprenticeship programs in construction and building trades that are expected to see clean energy job growth. It will create a qualified, and diverse pipeline of clean energy workers, offering training, credentials, support with enrollment in apprenticeship programs after completion, barrier reduction services, and more. Subject to appropriation, $10 million per year will be allocated for the program, with an additional $6 million per year for distribution of Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program services and funds.
Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program Provides multi-year, one-on-one coaching to assist contractor participants in developing five-year business plans and growing their businesses. This includes review of monthly metrics and advice on achieving participant’s goals. Participating contractors will also be eligible for operational support grants and will have access to capital for upfront costs and pre-development funding. Participants will also receive mentorship, assistance for preparing for bids and Request for Proposal applications, assistance connection to state and federal programs, and more. $9 million is allocated to this program each year, subject to appropriation.
Energy Transition Navigator Program Provides outreach, education, and recruitment to eligible individuals to participate in CEJA workforce programs and collaborates with local job markets and workforce organizations to help place trainees in careers. $6 million is allocated to this program each year, subject to appropriation.
Solar Training Pipeline Program Establishes a pipeline, or pool of trained installers, for projects authorized under the Illinois Solar For All Program and the revised Renewable Portfolio Standards. This program includes funding for programs that provide training to individuals who are or were foster care alumni or returning citizens transitioning into the workforce. $3 million in funding is allocated to this program, subject to appropriation.
Returning Resident Clean Jobs Program Provides training within Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC) correctional facilities to prepare people for entry-level clean energy jobs. Participants will receive essential employability skills training as part of vocational or occupational training, and the training will lead to certifications or credentials that prepare candidates for employment. $6 million is allocated to this program each year, subject to appropriation.
Multi-Cultural Jobs Program Provides $4 million to fund multicultural jobs programs which are related to solar installation or similar sectors. The programming is run by diversity-focused community organizations that have a record of successfully delivering job training.
Craft Apprenticeship Program Provides $3 million in funding for accredited or recognized apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs are offered for particular crafts, trades, or skills in the electric industry.
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