Governor Pritzker Signs Landmark Energy Storage Bill to Keep Costs Low and Strengthen the Grid

WASHINGTON, D.C. January 8, 2026 – The American Clean Power Association (ACP) today celebrated Governor Pritzker’s signing into law The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), a bipartisan measure to lower energy costs, strengthen grid reliability, and accelerate the state’s ongoing transition to American-made clean energy.

At a time of rapidly growing electricity demand and increasing system costs nationally, CRGA represents one of the most significant new state-level grid and energy storage policies in the country. The law provides a durable framework for Illinois and a model for other states on how to deploy proven grid solutions that improve reliability and reduce price volatility for Illinois consumers.  

“CGRA is advancing smart, timely solutions,” said Sarah Cottrell Propst, SVP of State Affairs at ACP. “With new investments in energy storage and virtual power plants, Illinois is positioning itself to keep energy costs low, improve reliability, and create clean-energy and manufacturing jobs—proven strategies that benefit consumers and strengthen the economy.” 

CRGA creates Illinois’ first energy storage procurement program to procure 3,000 MW of energy storage capacity by 2030 and aligns storage siting and permitting requirements with existing wind and solar standards. CRGA also establishes the state’s Virtual Power Plant (VPP) initiative, which pools existing resources—such as solar panels and batteries—to send stored power back to the grid during periods of high demand. These measures are anticipated to: 

• Deliver nearly $13.4 billion in energy-bill savings statewide over 20 years.
• Reduce peak-hour costs in the near term without building new power plants.
• Create consistent siting requirements for energy storage projects rooted in best practices and standards from fire safety experts. 

Illinois ranks among the top 10 states for installed clean– energy capacity. With CRGA, the state aims to further expand that leadership by creating new energy-sector jobs, strengthening manufacturing supply chains, and ensuring stable, reliable power for the state’s growing economy. 

CRGA offers benefits across sectors: 

• For families: Near-term savings on monthly bills and long-term stability in energy prices.
• For small businesses: Cost stability and enhanced grid resilience that protects against power disruptions. 

ACP commends Illinois’ legislative leaders for their commitment to developing reliable, affordable, and clean power for every community across the state.