Illinois could soon get a BESS windfall if clean grid legislation passes in the Senate. Photo: AES
DOE is ending hundreds of subsidies for clean energy projects
Washington, DC
The Department of Energy announced it planned to end hundreds of grants awarded through the Offices of Clean Energy Demonstrations and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Many solar energy initiatives and projects could be affected by these cuts, including efforts to expand training for O&M technicians and more.
Solar for All beneficiaries, states sue EPA over program termination
Washington, DC
In October, multiple beneficiaries of the federal Solar for All grant program, along with 23 attorneys general, sued the Environmental Protection Agency for ending the $7 billion program that helped underserved communities access clean energy. The complaints allege that the EPA illegally terminated the program after Congress lawfully appropriated subsidies.
The bipartisan group of governors is asking Congress for technology-neutral energy that will enable reforms
Washington, DC
A bipartisan group of more than a dozen governors has released a package of reform priorities to improve federal permitting and regulatory processes for critical energy infrastructure projects. Maryland Governor Wes Moore, vice chairman of the National Governors Association, said: “When it comes to energy infrastructure, we need to move from no and slowly to yes and now.”
The court rules that renewable energy must be taken into account when rebuilding energy in Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Conservation groups have won a legal challenge against FEMA in Puerto Rico over its plans to rebuild the territory’s power grid without considering distributed renewable energy. The court ordered FEMA to analyze renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels in reconstruction.
California meets battery storage safety standards after Moss Landing fire
Sacramento, California
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill in October that strengthens safety standards around the development of energy storage facilities and strengthens coordination with fire officials. The legislation was introduced in response to the Moss Landing battery storage fire, which had lasting impacts on the community.
Advocates are asking the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to reconsider cuts to rooftop solar
Boise, Idaho
On October 21, Vote Solar and Sierra Club filed a request for reconsideration with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, following Idaho Power’s proposal to reduce residential solar offset rates. In this petition, the organizations asked the committee to establish a working group to resolve issues with rooftop solar export tariffs before the next scheduled review in 2028.
The Illinois Legislature passes the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act
Springfield, Illinois
On October 30, Illinois lawmakers passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act 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 through energy storage incentives and new utility services.
Illinois to double capacity of solar incentive program ahead of federal ITC phase-out
Springfield, Illinois
The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved major updates to the Illinois Power Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan to expand solar capacity and protect Illinois consumers from rising energy costs. The revised plan immediately updates the state’s solar incentive program – doubling the capacity of community, commercial and small-scale solar categories ahead of the federal ITC phaseout.
