Illinois Commerce Commission requests public comments on energy resource adequacy concerns

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently announced the opening of a public comment period on energy resource adequacy concerns following several power plant retirements ahead of the potential closing of other plants.

Dynegy, the largest producer of electricity in Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Zone 4, has said that a third of its coal-fired plants in Illinois are at high risk of retirements, while another third are in serious consideration for retirement. Dynegy closed two plants in 2016 and one plant in 2015.

“Ensuring that all Illinois consumers have adequate long-term electricity resources at reasonable prices is critical to the State of Illinois,” ICC Chairperson Brien J. Sheahan said. “This collaborative exchange of ideas will help address concerns that long-term resources will not be adequate and will explore plans for the future. We strongly encourage stakeholders and interested consumers to offer their comments and participate in our upcoming workshops.”

The ICC will accept pre-workshop, written public comments through Nov. 30 and will hold a workshop on Dec. 7.

Written post-workshop comments will be accepted through Dec. 21, including any suggestions for conducting the second workshop, which will be held on Jan. 16, 2018.

A summary report will be provided to Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Illinois General Assembly, as well as posted on the ICC website, by Feb. 26, 2018.