The Illinois Power Agency has released a special evaluation report on the design and implementation of the Energy Sovereignty pathway, prepared by ESource and Verdant Associates. Created through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Energy Sovereignty pathway allows income-eligible households, community organizations, and community solar subscribers to move toward majority or full ownership of the solar installation serving them, rather than remaining indefinitely under a lease or power purchase agreement held by an Approved Vendor or third-party owner. Energy Sovereignty was introduced into the Illinois Solar for All program at the start of the 2022-2023 Program Year. The Illinois Power Agency reserves 25% of program funds in each sub-program for projects that promote energy sovereignty.
We encourage stakeholders to read the report to learn more about the topics being examined, including the value proposition of Energy Sovereignty to Approved Vendors and participants, and the risks it poses to each of these parties. Additionally, it explores drivers of the recent rapid growth in Energy Sovereignty participation.