Illinois Shines Program Guidebook Review

April 18, 2024 Version

Review of the Illinois Commerce Commission approved Illinois Shines Program Guidebook information, reminder of requirements and updates of upcoming changes.

REVIEW OF BLOCK CLOSURE

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* 1. Block closure is initiated by a 'soft close'. This is when the Program Administrator announces the block will close in 7 calendar days or when the next project application submitted to the block would exceed capacity by 10 MW from the original published block size.

I have read and understand what happens when Block Closure is initiated.

I have read, but do not understand and would like more information about Block Closure initiation.

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* 2. Block capacity is managed at a batch level. Therefore, if a batch causes a block to exceed the 10 MW additional capacity limit the Program Administrator may remove individual projects from that batch in consultation with the batch’s AV to keep the block under allowed capacity cap.

I have read and understand how block capacity is managed.

I have read, but do not understand and would like more information about how block capacity is managed.

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* 3. If a block is closed at the time an application is submitted and that project is placed on a waitlist it is reviewed on a first come, first served basis. A project will be considered submitted when the batch to which that application belongs is submitted and payment for that batch is initiated.

I have read and understand when a project is placed on a waitlist.

I have read, but do not understand and would like more information about when a project is placed on a waitlist.

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* 4. Once a project is selected off the waitlist, it will receive the REC pricing associated with the block of capacity for the Group/category combination it will utilize and the AV will be given 10 business days to accept or decline the selection.

I have read and understand how REC prices will be assigned when a project is selected off a waitlsit.

I have read but do not understand and would like more information about REC prices assigned to projects selected off a waitlist.

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* 5. Projects are not required to remain in the interconnection queue to maintain their place on the waitlist. Any project that is required to have a valid interconnection agreement as part of its Part I application that has exited the interconnection queue must provide proof that it has reapplied for interconnection as a condition of its selection off of the waitlist.

I have read and understand the interconnection requirements for projects on a waitlist.

I have read but do not understand and would like more information about interconnection requirements for projects on a waitlist.

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE PROGRAM STRUCTURE
This is a reminder of a few of the topics covered in our spring training session.

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* 6. Establishing a price adjustment cap for changes to REC prices for waitlisted projects.

The IPA will use a REC price adjustment cap of 20% for all waitlisted DG projects. Any DG project that is waitlisted during any Program year will receive a REC price that is within a 20% differential from REC prices posted for the Program Year in which the project was waitlisted.

The cap will last for one calendar year only. If a project subject to this price adjustment cap remains on a waitlist for over one calendar year, the project will receive the price associated with the block of capacity available when the project is selected off the waitlist.

If updated REC prices for the following Program Year fall within this adjustment cap range, the project will utilize the REC price that is posted for that Program Year. If updated REC prices for the next Program Year fall outside the 20% cap range, the project will receive the edge price of the price adjustment cap. That is, if REC prices within the category drop 30% in the following Program Year when the project is selected off the waitlist, the waisted project will receive a 20% lower REC price rather than the 30% lower price that will otherwise be applied to the category.

I have read and understand the price adjustment cap for waitlisted projects.

I have read and would like more information about the price adjustment cap for waitlisted projects.

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* 7. Each project application fee is $20 per AC kW, not to exceed $15,000.00, for a submission.

This fee is paid upfront by Ag Technologies, Inc. to the Program Administrator and recouped later from the initial SREC Incentive Payment.

It is possible for a customer to choose to pay this fee out of pocket. Notice must be provided to the office and payment method should be specified on any quotes and solar contracts.

I understand what is required for the Illinois Shines project application fee.

I would like to know more information about the Illinois Shines project application fee.

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* 8. Elimination of the distinction between Group A (Ameren) and Group B (ComEd) for Small DG and Large DG blocks.

Traditional allocation of 30%/70% for Group A and Group B Small DG and Large DG has been eliminated to allow for additional capacity to support additional projects without significant consequences to the Renewable Portfolio Standard budget and without altering the statutory balance between categories.

Removing group capacity distinctions will not impact the REC pricing approach taken for Small DG and Large DG projects. Small DG and Large DG projects will retain Group A and Group B distinctions for purposes of establishing REC prices only.

I have read and understand what the elimination of the distinction between Groups means.

I have read and would like more information on the elimination of the distinction between Groups.

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* 9. Increase of the overall Program size, thus resulting in larger Small DG and Large DG blocks.

Program overall capacity has been increased to 800 MW starting with the 2024-2025 Program Year. The Illinois Power Agency expects to deliver the stability that recent market growth requires to be sustained on a continual basis from Program Year to Program Year.

I have read and understand the increase in capacity.

I have read and would like more information about the increase in capacity.

UPCOMING CHANGES
These changes are required to be added to the Program via the ICC approved 2024 Long Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan. The changes are currently under IPA review. Once complete, the final information will be available for review. If you would like more information about theses upcoming changes please indicate so below.

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* 10. Escrow Process for Approved Vendors that Do Not Pass Through Promised Incentive Payments

I would like to know more information about this topic.

No thanks.

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* 11. Solar Restitution Program

I would like to know more information about this topic.

No thanks.

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* 12. REC Price Adder for Stranded Customer Solar Distributed Generation Projects

I would like to know more information about this topic.

No thanks.

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* 13. Please enter your first and last name and today's date.

Name:

Date: