THE LATEST INFORMATION

Illinois saw unprecedented solar growth in 2024, adding 2.5 gigawatts of capacity to nearly double its total generation potential from the year before. But this year, the state faces some big speed bumps.

Renewable energy can only be generated when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing, and it operates in a use-it-or-lose-it fashion that can’t satisfy society’s constant demand for electricity. Fossil fuels — and nuclear energy — have to kick in to compensate, unless there’s a way to stockpile renewable energy for later use.

Legislation is needed to modernize Illinois’ energy grid and protect consumers from big rate increases and the risk of power outages.

Indiana ratepayers are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on uneconomic coal power, even though cheaper alternatives like wind and solar are available. This inefficiency is driven by market rules that allow utility-owned coal plants to operate at a loss, with costs passed on to consumers. As a result, Indiana customers have paid $338 million in unnecessary costs from 2021-2023. If utilities were to shift to more cost-effective renewable energy, ratepayers could see significant savings.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury, CFPB, and FTC have launched actions to combat unfair and deceptive practices in the residential solar power sector, aiming to protect consumers and boost confidence in the market. By addressing predatory practices and enhancing consumer protection through an interagency partnership, the Biden-Harris Administration is helping to ensure that Americans can safely benefit from the economic advantages of affordable solar energy. This initiative supports expanded access to solar power, ultimately contributing to lower energy costs and greater savings for households.

The Department of Energy is offering $33 million to fund smart manufacturing technologies aimed at boosting the clean energy transition, focusing on areas like circular supply chains and sustainable transportation. This investment is part of the Biden administration's broader effort to enhance high-tech manufacturing, reduce emissions, and stimulate economic growth in the clean energy sector. The initiative is expected to drive innovation and create jobs while supporting the administration's goal of decarbonizing the transportation sector by 2050.

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) expanded tax credits for residential clean energy and energy efficiency, helping households reduce costs. In 2023, over 3.4 million American families claimed more than $8 billion in credits, significantly lowering their utility bills. These credits, which average $5,000 for clean energy investments like solar panels and $880 for energy-efficient home improvements, have seen a substantial increase in claims compared to previous years.

The U.S. renewable energy industry has announced $500 billion in new investments over the past two years, leading to a manufacturing renaissance and creating over 100,000 new jobs. This surge in clean energy development has sparked the construction or expansion of more than 160 manufacturing facilities across the nation. These investments are driving significant job creation and revitalizing local economies, positioning the U.S. as a global leader in renewable energy.