Illinois

Summary: In August 2007, Illinois enacted legislation (S.B. 680) requiring the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to establish standards for net metering and interconnection for renewable energy systems. The ICC chose develop standards for all distributed generation up to 10 megawatts (MW). Final interconnection standards were adopted in August 2008. The interconnection rules set four levels of review for interconnection requests. The ICC adopted IEEE 1547 as the technical standard of evaluation in July 2007. All systems are required to have an external disconnect switch directly accessible to the utility. Facilities larger than 1 MW must carry liability insurance with coverage of at least $2 million per occurrence and $4 million in aggregate. Currently, the ICC has a docket open to establish interconnection rules for systems greater than 10 MW (see case 08-0481).

Links:

• Read Senate Bill 680, the enabling legislation, here: Legislation
• Authority 1: § 220 ILCS 5/16-107.5
• Authority 2: 83 Ill. Adm. Code, Part 466
• For more details, visit the DSIRE database

Contact:

Public Information
Illinois Commerce Commission
Office of Public Affairs
527 East Capitol
P.O. Box 19280
Springfield, IL 62794-9280
Phone: (217) 782-5793
Fax: (217) 524-0674
Web site: http://www.icc.illinois.gov/

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Summary: As a part of the USEPA’s Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR), Illinois has established CHP as an eligible technology for energy efficiency set-aside allowances. For purposes of regulating NOx and SO2, the output of particular CHP systems is considered and factored into a determination of the system’s total emissions. Phase I of these regulations, which will address NOx, will commence in 2009. Phase II, which will address SO2, will commence in 2010.

Links:

• The proposed R06-26 rules can be viewed here: Rules

Contact:

Lisa Liu
James R. Thompson Center-100 W. Randolph
Suite 11-500
Chicago, IL 60601 
Lisa Liu
(312) 814-8916

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Description: Exelon/Commonwealth Edison’s Rate 18 is predominately demand-based, but it does average out three separate peak demand periods over a month to discern that demand. Ameren/Illinois Power Company’s Rider BFS-L is wholly energy based, with prices conveyed to customers in real time. Both rates are viewed as fairly neutral with regard to impact on CHP deployment.

Links:

• Commonwealth Edison’s Rate 18 can be viewed here: Rates
• Illinois Power Company’s Rider BFS-L can be viewed here: Rates
• More information about best practices in utility rate design can be found on the EPA’s CHP Partnership website.

Last Updated 09/01/2009

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