Illinois achieves second-highest rating for grid modernization
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Chairman Brien J. Sheahan recently announced that Illinois earned the second-highest rating among all states for its work toward a modernized electric grid.
Gridwise Alliance, in collaboration with Clean Edge Incorporated, released last week the results of its fourth Grid Modernization Index (GMI), which ranks each state on the support it provides for grid modernization, customer engagement related to modernization and the deployment of advanced grid technologies.
“I am very pleased Illinois is being recognized as a national leader for our efforts to embrace innovations in technology and modernize our grid,” Sheahan said. “Under the leadership of Governor Bruce Rauner, Illinois adopted the Future Energy Jobs Act that is leading to a greater investment in smart technology, renewables, and energy efficiency programs by our public utilities. I am especially proud the Illinois Commerce Commission’s NextGrid: Illinois Utilities of the Future Study is mentioned several times in the report and contributed to Illinois’ high rating.”
The ICC recently initiated an 18-month customer-focused study called NextGrid that will explore emerging technologies and customer demand for expanded choices as well as establish a roadmap for creating a modernized grid that uses clean energy and keeps costs low for customers.
Professors from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are working with the ICC to lead the study.
