Spark Alerts: April 15, 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

• 4/14- Savion Energy’s 1,500-acre Plano Skies Solar project in Kendall County is raising concerns among local residents.

• 4/12- The City of Macomb held a public hearing for an SUP to power a local wastewater plant with a solar project developed by Utopian Power.

• 4/11- The City of Clinton heard a proposal for a 175-MW solar project by Nexamp.

• 4/11- Summit Ridge announced a $400 million partnership with Apollo Funds to build commercial solar projects across Illinois.

Texas

• 4/13- Industry advocates continue to express concerns over Senate Bill 819, which could create prohibitive regulations and costs for renewable energy projects.

• 4/12- Vesper Energy’s 600-MW Hornet Solar project in Swisher County is now operational.

• 4/11- After fire safety violations by BT Amador Storage, Van Zandt County passed a resolution expressing its opposition to battery storage facilities, and is attempting to block the delivery of lithium-ion batteries to any site within the county until safety concerns have been addressed.

📢 Policy & Programs

Illinois

• No bill movement. Committee decision deadlines for the following Senate bills have been set for 4/9:

  • SB2289- sets new formulas for the Illinois Power Agency’s RPS compliance targets.

  • SB1816- Allows for post-award renegotiation of contract terms for renewable energy projects supported through competitive procurements.

  • SB2473- Provides that, by November 1, 2025, and by November 1 every 3 years thereafter, all electric cooperatives in IL shall file an integrated resource plan.

  • SB1442- Provides for a fund to facilitate local construction workforces, and provides for offshore wind REC purchases by the Illinois Power Agency.

  • SB2497- Authorizes the Illinois Power Agency to conduct competitive solicitations to procure contracted energy storage credits. Removes additional barriers to renewable development.

Texas

• SB2994

  • Amends existing code to set energy efficency and demand reduction targets for state utilities.

  • Introduced in Senate 4/7, referred to Commerce Committee.

  • UPDATE- Hearing to be held 4/15 at 8:00 am.

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