By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent

What Happened:Yesterday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the state’s Long-Term Resources Procurement Plan (also known as “The Plan”), an overarching roadmap for the state to reach 25% renewable energy by 2025.

The Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan arose out of the Future Energy Jobs Act of 2016.

“With the approval of this ambitious plan, Illinois takes another step toward becoming a national leader in affordable clean energy. A more diverse power portfolio, which includes wind and solar, makes the grid more stable and affordable.

SolarWakeup’s View: Now that’s what’s called vision.

As expected, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan (the Plan), bringing to fruition the vision of Illinois lawmakers that began two years ago when the state’s legislature, utilities and clean energy advocates pushed for the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act.

What made the Illinois plan unusual was the widespread support it received across all segments of the energy economy in the state. While not unheard of (California’s utility/legislature/renewable-energy partnership is a prime example), the Illinois plan is unusual, especially in the Midwest. Decisions like this bode well for the future of solar in the middle of the country.

As I wrote last week as passage moved closer:

As the Midwest has moved – often glacially – toward its own solar future, most observers have pegged Minnesota as the early leader that has stood clearly head and shoulders above all the other states in the region. But I believe that as the Plan moves forward that it won’t be long before Minnesota is looking over its shoulder to see Illinois quickly approaching.

One of my favorite Illinois renewables observers, Christie Hicks, manager, Clean Energy Regulatory Implementation for the Environmental Defense Fund, said the following on the ICC’s decision:

“Hundreds of millions of investment dollars will soon be flowing into developing clean wind and solar projects that will power Illinois homes and businesses. Not only is Illinois solidifying its place at the forefront of America’s clean energy economy, it’s showing other states how to provide equitable access to renewables.”

We’re pretty pumped about the approval here at SolarWakeup, too, because it will make our SolarWakeup Live! Chicago stop later this year even more intense. We plan on arriving in the Windy City when it’s a little warmer (see this summer; We’re coming to Chicago this summer) to break it this plan down for you and what it means for the future clean energy in the Land of Lincoln.

We can’t wait, so stay tuned – details coming soon.

More:

Illinois Is Coming For You, Minnesota