Illinois and Power Generation

Illinois, with six nuclear power plants, is home to the largest network of nuclear facilities in the Nation; over half of Illinois’ power generation is derived from nuclear. In fact, Illinois’ nuclear generation capacity is greater than any other state and all but seven world nations. In addition, the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory are located in suburbs of Chicago.

Illinois Laws Boost Solar Power Use for Utilities and Individuals.

August 30, 2010

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn on August 17 signed legislation that boosts the use of solar power by individuals and by state utilities. One law requires the two state utilities, Commonwealth Edison and Ameren, begin purchasing solar power as part of their renewable energy portfolios starting in 2012, three years earlier than previously required by state statute.

Specifically, the utilities will now be required to purchase 0.5% of their power from solar sources by June 1, 2012; 1.5% by June 1, 2013; 3% by June 1, 2014; and 6% by June 1, 2015.

A second measure signed into law creates the Homeowners’ Solar Energy Act to ensure individual homeowners have the right to construct solar energy panels on their homes, provided the individual homeowners follow certain guidelines. Under the new law, homeowner’s associations cannot prohibit homeowners from installing solar power generation on their property. The goal of both laws is to reduce dependence on foreign oil while cutting greenhouse gas emissions. See the governor’s press release.

Tennessee Valley Authority Affirms Power Purchase Agreement with Illinois’ Largest Wind Farm

January 18, 2010

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) recently entered into a contract with Iberdrola Renewables Inc. to deliver up to 300 megawatts (MW) from the Streator Cayuga Ridge project in Livingston County, Illinois starting in spring, 2010. Power delivery is subject to environmental requirements and firm transmission paths being secured. “When we look at all the options for renewable sources, it makes sense for TVA to invest in wind power generation,” said TVA Executive Vice President Van Wardlaw.

Portland, Oregon-based Iberdrola is the world’s largest supplier of wind power. TVA’s current renewable energy portfolio now includes 5,095 MW from hydro, wind, solar and methane sources. In addition, TVA’s nuclear plants contribute 6,900 MW of low-or-no-emission electricity to the power grid.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider whose distributors serve approximately 9 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also creates economic development opportunities and manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation. See the TVA press release and the Iberdrola press release.

Low-Income Rate Assistance and Energy Efficiency

Effective 1998, the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (SLEAF) was authorized through electric utility restructuring legislation. The law directed gas and electric utilities to assess a monthly surcharge from customers and deposit it into a state fund, which the General Assembly appropriates yearly to the state Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, the LIHEAP and weatherization grantee.

Annually, about 80 percent of the fund, $65 million, goes for low-income bill payment assistance, and 10 percent, about $7.6 million, supplements the state’s weatherization program. LIHEAP makes payments from the fund directly to utilities. SLEAF funds may be used only for assistance to low-income customers of the utilities that assess the surcharge.

Hope you enjoyed a little about energy and Illinois, come back soon, but I won’t leave the lights on for you… Don Ames