On January 8, 2026, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) into law (SB 25/P.A. 104-0458) during a ceremony at Joliet Junior College. The new law marks another major step in the state's effort to achieve its statutory renewable energy goals. The event brought together legislative leaders, labor representatives, consumer advocates, clean energy businesses, and community partners to celebrate a comprehensive response to rising energy costs and grid reliability challenges.
Proponents intend for the CRGA is designed to lower energy costs for consumers, strengthen the electric grid, and expand Illinois’ clean energy economy while creating good-paying union jobs. Supporters emphasized that the law positions Illinois as a national leader at a time when federal energy policy uncertainty has contributed to higher prices and supply constraints.
A Comprehensive Energy Strategy
During his remarks, Governor Pritzker highlighted the national energy price pressures facing states and framed the CRGA as Illinois’ proactive solution. Key provisions of the new law include expanded energy efficiency programs, incentives for solar energy, electric vehicles, and smart technologies, and the deployment of grid-scale battery storage to better manage peak demand. The legislation also lifts Illinois’ long-standing moratorium on new, large-scale nuclear power plant construction and cuts red tape to accelerate new electricity generation projects.
According to the Illinois Power Agency (IPA), the CRGA is projected to save consumers an estimated $13.4 billion over the next 20 years, while maintaining Illinois’ status as a net exporter of electricity and improving long-term grid reliability.
Broad Legislative, Labor, and Consumer Support
Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Beverly) and House Democratic Leader Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) underscored the collaborative process behind the legislation, noting that the law attempts to balance affordability, reliability, and workforce development. Labor leaders, including Pat Devaney of the Illinois AFL-CIO, praised the CRGA for ensuring the clean energy transition centers working families through expanded pre-apprenticeship programs and project labor agreements for clean energy projects.
Consumer and industry advocates echoed those sentiments. Sarah Moskowitz of the Citizens Utility Board described the bill as a strong pro-consumer measure that equips regulators with modern tools to address price volatility. Clean energy contractors and advocates emphasized that the law sustains equity-focused programs and supports minority-owned businesses while advancing Illinois’ clean energy goals.
The new law will take effect on June 1, 2026.
ISACo's prior coverage of the legislation as it advanced through the General Assembly is available via this link.
ISACo's analysis of P.A. 104-0458 is available via this link.