Implementing Expanded RPSs in Illinois and Michigan

In late-2016, both Illinois and Michigan strengthened and extended their RPSs. In the case of Illinois, the state passed far-reaching energy legislation. It will lead to more clean energy generation by revising how alternative retail electricity suppliers comply with the RPS, and adding new procurements and programs administered by the Illinois Power Agency. It also creates a zero emission credit (ZEC) program that will help keep two nuclear plants in operation. The Michigan law extends the existing RPS, which reached its maximum 10 percent target in 2015, so that now utilities have to buy or generate at least 15 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2022. The law also expands eligible technologies to include geothermal, steam, wood biomass, and others. In addition, the state now has a nonbinding goal to try to meet 35 percent of the state’s electricity needs through energy efficiency and renewables by 2025.

In this webinar, Brian Granahan of the Illinois Power Agency and Katie Trachsel of the Michigan Public Service Commission described their states’ new laws and explained how the states are preparing for implementation.

This webinar was presented by CESA’s RPS Collaborative.