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"The ICC clearly recognizes how renewable energy can improve our
quality of life," Blagojevich said. "Relying more on our homegrown
energy sources will not only make our air cleaner to breathe, but
will also provide consumers some relief from high gas prices, help
make the energy grid more reliable, and bring much-needed jobs and
economic growth to our rural communities." Blagojevich praised the
leadership of Commissioner Bob Lieberman, who led the ICC review of
the plan, and utility companies, consumer watchdog groups and
environmental organizations for coming to agreement after years of
deadlocked negotiations.
Under the plan's Renewable Portfolio Standard, the state's
largest electric utilities will begin supplying 2 percent renewable
energy to their Illinois customers by Jan. 1, 2007, increasing 1
percent annually to 8 percent by 2013. Illinois currently gets only
about one-half of 1 percent of its electricity from renewable
resources and has only about 100 megawatts of wind energy in
operation. Under the governor's plan, this requirement will lead to
more than 3,000 megawatts of power generated from renewable sources
by 2013 -- enough to serve about 1 million Illinois households. At
least 75 percent of this renewable energy, or more than 2,000
megawatts, would be generated by wind power, Illinois' most abundant
and affordable renewable energy resource.
The Illinois Commerce Commission also adopted an Energy
Efficiency Portfolio Standard, which will lead to greater investment
by electric utilities in programs that save energy. By 2007,
electric utilities will meet 10 percent of growth in demand for
electricity through energy efficiency, ramping up to 25 percent by
2015. Under the plan, utilities will help their customers install
more efficient heating and cooling systems, lights, and equipment
that will slow the growth in energy use and help lower energy bills
for homes and businesses.
Consumer advocates lauded the Sustainable Energy Plan for its
ratepayer protections. "The governor's plan is a smart way to help
shield Illinois ratepayers from rising energy prices," said Marty
Cohen, executive director of the Citizen's Utility Board. "Energy
efficiency will save consumers money, and getting more electricity
from renewable resources like wind power that are immune from
volatile fossil fuel prices will benefit consumers through lower and
more stable electricity rates."
Environmental groups also praised the decision. "We thank
Governor Blagojevich and the ICC for taking this historic first step
in Illinois history toward a more secure energy future that will
also help protect public health and the environment," said Jonathan
Goldman, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, a
statewide coalition of environmental organizations. "We will
continue to work with the ICC and the utilities to fully implement
the Sustainable Energy Plan and realize the governor's vision."
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 "Today's action by the commission is a step in the right
direction towards making Illinois a leader in clean energy
development," said Howard A. Learner, executive director of the
Environmental Law & Policy Center. "If implemented effectively by
ComEd and Ameren, the governor's Sustainable Energy Plan can be a
win-win-win for Illinois by creating jobs, boosting rural economic
development and creating a healthier environment for everyone. We
look forward to joining the governor and lieutenant governor in
working cooperatively to achieve the full implementation of the
governor's Sustainable Energy Plan."
"The Sustainable Energy Plan will increase our use of Illinois'
untapped renewable energy resources," said Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who
chaired the governor's Blackout Solutions Task Force. "Boosting our
use of all-American energy will put Illinois on a path to greater
energy security and a cleaner environment."
Both of Illinois' two largest electric utilities, ComEd and
Ameren Corporation, have pledged to implement the plan and will
begin accepting proposals from wind developers this fall.
"We are excited to work with Governor Blagojevich and the ICC to
bring more renewable energy to Illinois," said Frank M. Clark, ComEd
president. "We're committed to following the governor's timetable
and, with commission approval, supporting the level of investment
specified in the governor's plan. Cooperation from all interested
parties will allow us to meet that schedule, and we look forward to
working with these groups over the next few months."
"We believe the governor's sustainable energy plan will attract
the necessary renewable generation to Illinois to make this program
work," said Steven Sullivan, Ameren senior vice president. "Ameren
pledges to take the necessary steps to implement the governor's
Sustainable Energy Plan as adopted today by the Illinois Commerce
Commission. The ICC's resolution sets out a clear time frame and
objectives that, with the help of the ICC and other stakeholders, we
fully intend to achieve."
A recent study by the University of Illinois at Chicago Energy
Resources Center found that the governor's Sustainable Energy Plan
will give Illinois' economy a boost while reducing air pollution.
The study concluded that producing 8 percent of electricity from
renewable energy by 2012 would create 7,800 jobs and generate nearly
$9 billion in additional household and business income. The study
also concluded that by 2012, renewable energy generation will reduce
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions equivalent to four
midsize power plants operating today.
Wind farms benefit rural communities by providing property tax
revenue for local governments and additional income for farmers and
landowners who host wind turbines on their property. In Illinois, a
single wind turbine can provide $3,000-$5,000 annually in income,
while farmers can continue to raise crops or livestock up to the
foot of the turbines.
[News release from the governor's
office] |
