Illinois Commerce Commission examines impact of renewable energy integration at regional level

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently held a policy session to evaluate the potential impacts of increased integration of renewable energy resources at the regional transmission level.

The session, titled Illinois’ Power Meter: Renewable Energy and Illinois Transmission System, was the second installment of the Illinois’ Power Meter policy sessions. The ICC held the first session, which assessed the integration of renewables at the distribution level, in July.

“Experts at Illinois’ Power Meter 2 highlighted the complexity and scope of factors to be considered with integrating renewables,” Acting Commissioner Sadzi Martha Oliva said. “This discussion reinforced the value of collaborating with stakeholders in developing the best plan post adoption of the Future Energy Jobs Act and NextGrid, Illinois’ Utility of the Future Study.”

The first panel dealt with the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating renewable energy resources into Illinois’ power systems. The second panel assessed the effect that renewables might have on the energy market as Illinois reforms and implements its environmental policies.

“This is a very exciting time in Illinois’ energy journey,” Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards said. “As we continue to move forward with plans to integrate renewable energy resources into our power grid, we must continue to communicate with all of the stakeholders to exchange information and ideas. The information shared at the policy session is very helpful in our planning.”