Spark Alerts: April 4, 2025

Note: This is a proof of concept for Spark Alerts, focusing on utility-scale solar news and policy updates in Illinois and Texas. Please help us improve by sharing your feedback with us!

📰 Market & Development News

Illinois

• 4/1- Competitive Power Ventures’ 300-MW Prairie Dock Solar project is expected to begin construction in Livingston County in Q3 2025.

• 4/1- Kane County held public hearings for two solar farms by SuryaPower. No decisions were reached.

Texas

• 4/3- Stonewall County commissioners approved a tax abatement with Swenson Solar for a 5,000-acre solar proposal.

• 3/31- Avangrid’s 238-MW True North Solar came online in Falls County.

📢 Policy & Programs

Texas

• HB4363- Battery Storage Fees

  • Would set requirements for utility battery storage facilities, including a PUC permit, an associated permit fee, and local fire department training.

  • Filed in House 3/11.

  • UPDATE- First reading 4/1, sent to State Affairs Committee.

• HB4353- Voter Approval For Renewables

  • Would require a county-wide election held for any utility-scale renewable or storage facility development in any county with over 10,000 residents. A projects would be barred from development without a majority vote from county residents.

  • Filed in House 3/11.

  • UPDATE- First reading 4/1, sent to State Affairs Committee.

• HB3228/SB2657- Solar Recycling

  • Mandates inclusion of certain recycling/disposal provisions in wind and solar lease agreements.

  • Filed in House 2/24, sister bill filed in Senate 3/13.

  • UPDATE- House State Affairs Committee recommended passage 4/2.

  • UPDATE- First reading in Senate 4/3, sent to Commerce Committee.

• HB3229/SB2659- Renewable Recycling

  • Lays out regulations and requirements for recycling of renewable system components.

  • Filed in Senate 3/13.

  • UPDATE- First reading in Senate 4/3, sent to Commerce Committee.

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