Illinois Commission Seeks Input on Utility Plans to Avail Federal Funding Under Infrastructure Law

The Illinois Commerce Commission on June 10 issued a request for information seeking input on Illinois public utilities’ plan to apply for federal dollars under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). This information would assist the state of Illinois to quantify the eligibility of these utilities and to study how the state can help them in securing these federal funds. The 2021 IIJA provides $550 billion in federal funding for the enhancement of public utility infrastructure.

This funding would facilitate the implementation of a clean and efficient grid at the minimum cost to ratepayers. The commission plays a major role in implementing the state’s 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. The IIJA funding is expected to help the state achieve a decarbonized electric grid by 2045.

The commission seeks information on available federal grants, loans, assistance, and programs for which regulated utilities qualify, and for which they intend to apply or have already applied. The notice seeks input on actions that can be initiated by the agency, or in partnership with any other Illinois state agency, to work with the utilities to avail the grants or funds.

The IIJA represents a major investment in U.S. infrastructure that includes electric vehicle infrastructure, electric generation, grid reliability, clean energy transmission and deployment, energy efficiency, and access to clean water and cyber security.

Since the enactment of the IIJA bill in 2021, there has been substantial development in the implementation of the law, including the launch of a $6 billion nuclear fleet renovation program, the establishment of a new office to monitor $20 billion worth of clean energy demonstration investments, and a $5 billion programme to support states with EV infrastructure plans. This act is key to achieving the Biden administration goal for the federal government to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and a carbon-free electric grid by 2035.

Significant inputs are expected from all the interested parties including public utilities. Initial comments are due by June 30 and reply comments by July 14.