government Incentives & policies
The energy industry is highly regulated. Government decisions, from both regulatory agencies and legislatures, therefore can have an enormous impact on our electricity system. They can either allow inefficient and polluting power plants to continue functioning or they can support the expansion of renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
Energy policy is complex and involves multiple levels of government (federal, state, and local). It also requires balancing the needs of competing interests and different ideas about the best way forward. Programs, priorities, and strategies change frequently. For the most up-to-date information, consult the resources listed below.
Energy policy is complex and involves multiple levels of government (federal, state, and local). It also requires balancing the needs of competing interests and different ideas about the best way forward. Programs, priorities, and strategies change frequently. For the most up-to-date information, consult the resources listed below.
government incentives
One important way both federal and state governments support a greener electricity system is through incentives that make renewable energy and energy efficiency more affordable. These include rebates, grants, tax credits, low-interest loans, and streamlined permitting processes. DSIRE is a database of state incentives for renewables and efficiency. It is the most comprehensive source for programs currently available in Illinois.
policy Advocacy groups
One of the best ways for residents to impact government energy policy is by joining or supporting an environmental or public interest advocacy group. Several organize lobby days, run phone banks, coordinate media events, and send action alerts when policy decisions are imminent. Below are four that actively seek to involve Illinois residents in their advocacy work.
The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) lobbies state and local governments throughout the Midwest on environmental issues -- including many aspects of greening our electrical system. Most notably, it has taken the lead in reforming the Illinois renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) and promoting rooftop solar in Chicago. Residents can sign up on their website to receive policy updates and action alerts.
The Illinois Environmental Council is a coalition of grassroots activists working on a variety of state environmental policy issues -- including promoting renewable energy. Sign up on their website to receive policy updates and action alerts. They also organize an annual lobbying day in Springfield with the faith-based environmental group Faith in Place.
The Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club lobbies federal, state, and local government on many issues related to greening the electrical system -- from closing coal-fired power plants to using municipal aggregation to expand renewables. The Air & Energy Committee of the Chicago chapter provides many opportunities for volunteers to become involved.
The Citizens' Utility Board (CUB) represents the public interest in lobbying state and local governments, as well as monitoring utilities. In addition to promoting a greener electrical system, for example via energy efficiency and transmission system modernization, they seek to protect consumers' financial interests. Residents can sign up for their "action network" on their website.
Industry associations such as the Illinois Solar Energy Association (ISEA), Wind on the Wires, and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) are also quite active in public policy advocacy. Several large national and global green groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Greenpeace likewise work on renewable energy policy.