Illinois’ Utility of the Future Study to be facilitated by University of Illinois

Efforts to create recommendations on a 21st Century utility regulatory model for Illinois are to be led by the Power and Energy System Area of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC/ECE).

The project, “NextGrid,” is a Utility of the Future study for the whole state of Illinois. The selection of UIUC/ECE as lead facilitator was made by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), Ameren Illinois Company and the Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd). In their new role, the department will work with experts to determine both the goals and principles of the study.

“The lead facilitator must seek input from energy stakeholders to develop a shared base of information and to identify the opportunities and challenges of Illinois’ rapidly evolving electric grid,” ICC Chairman Brien J. Sheahan said. “We look forward to a robust process and a high-level of collaboration within the Illinois energy community.”

The study is expected to last 18 months, but will cover issues facing the electric utility industry for at least the next decade. It is meant to examine the potential behind new technologies and how they might improve the state’s electric grid while minimizing consumers’ energy costs. Proposals for facilitators have been under consideration since June, and now, UIUC/ECE will guide the study through considerations of innovation, technology, economic development, environmental concerns and educational matters.