Illinois RPS Legislation will Sidetrack Solar Energy Growth

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following is a statement by Sean Gallagher, vice president of state affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), on Illinois energy legislation:

“SEIA has significant concerns with SB 1585 Amendment 3, the Next Generation Energy Plan. Contrary to proponents’ claims, the legislation as written will not increase the use of solar power in Illinois and may even cause it to decline. By contrast, the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill would reduce air pollution, create thousands of good paying jobs and lower electricity costs.

“SB 1585 continues the long history of instability and uncertainty that has held back Illinois’s solar potential. There are a laundry list of problems with this legislation. They include: delayed funding of the renewable portfolio standard, instability created by irregular auctioning of renewable energy credits, the inclusion of radical changes to rate design by imposing demand charges on all customers, eliminating the benefits of net metering and placing arbitrary limits on community solar. These proposals effect all aspects of the solar industry.  

“SEIA continues to advocate for stable, clear policies that help grow the solar industry.  The industry employs over 200,000 people across the nation.  We encourage the legislature to adopt policies, like those in the Clean Energy Jobs Bill, that will grow a clean energy economy and increase solar jobs in Illinois.”

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About SEIA®:

Celebrating its 42nd anniversary in 2016, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contact:

Alex Hobson, SEIA Press Officer & Communications Manager, ahobson@seia.org (202) 556-2886