On October 30, Illinois lawmakers passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA Act/SB 25) during the 2025 veto session. The bill now on the governor’s desk aims to strengthen Illinois’ energy grid and protect communities from rising energy costs.
As energy-intensive data centers expand and capacity prices continue to rise, Illinois expects significantly increasing electric bills for communities across the state. The CRGA Act is intended to address these challenges by strengthening the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and ensuring the state stays on track to meet its clean energy goals. By encouraging new storage structures and VPP programs, Illinois communities will be better protected from rising energy costs and a stressed energy grid.
“Illinois lawmakers listened to their communities and took critical action to pass the CRGA Act, ensuring the state continues to be a national leader in building a reliable, affordable and equitable clean energy future,” said Kavi Chintam, Illinois Campaign Manager at Vote Solar. “While we face many federal uncertainties, this represents a huge victory. Our state leaders remained committed to strengthening our clean energy goals and protecting families from rising energy costs.”
Original analysis from Vote Solar has shown how programs like Illinois Solar for All and Illinois Shines are essential for expanding access to solar energy, lowering energy bills and creating local jobs. With additional policies from the CRGA Act, Illinois will continue to support local economic growth, affordability, and equitable access to solar energy.
“Illinois leaders are demonstrating what it means to take charge of our energy future,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of SEIA. “The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act is a blueprint for meeting growing electricity demand while keeping costs low and building a stronger, more resilient grid. By investing in solar, storage and a forward-looking Virtual Power Plant program, this bill will create good jobs and empower Illinois families and businesses. The solar and storage industry urges Governor Pritzker to sign it into law so other states look to Illinois as proof that smart policies can improve affordability at once, reliability and growth of clean energy.”
News item from Vote Solar
