Quinn Administration Receives Over $100 Million in Recovery Funding to Boost State Energy Efforts

CHICAGO – August 14, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Illinois has received approval of its proposed State Energy Plan (SEP) from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). DOE’s approval gives the state authority to begin implementing the program, which makes over $100 million in federal recovery funding available for grants.

“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is providing a tremendous economic boost to Illinois,” Governor Quinn said. “The funding approved today will help us provide low cost, reliable energy; reduce our long-term energy consumption; improve our production of clean, home grown fuels; and reduce our impact on the environment.”

Illinois’ State Energy Plan includes funding for eight program areas:

• Renewable Energy Production
• Community Renewable Energy
• Green Industry Business Development
• Green Roofs Grants
• Electric Energy Efficiency Program for Public Facilities
• Thermal Efficiency Program for Public Facilities
• Large Customer Energy Efficiency
• Next Generation Biofuels Production

With today’s announcement, the state will receive 50 percent of its ARRA SEP funding. After demonstrating successful implementation of the plan and meeting accountability requirements, the state will receive the remaining portion of the funds, for a total of more than $101 million. In Illinois, the State Energy Plan will be administered by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

“We’re glad that the U.S. Department of Energy has approved Illinois’ State Energy Plan,” DCEO Director Warren Ribley said. “Illinois is already a leader in the renewable energy sector, and the federal recovery funding will put us in an even better position to take advantage of opportunities in other emerging fields. This investment will put more people to work and continue to grow an emerging green economy.”

The additional funding for the State Energy Program will allow DCEO to expand it program offerings in order to fund cost-effective energy projects that create and retain jobs, reduce energy consumption (and costs), increase renewable energy capacity, reduce green house gas emissions, and leverage private funds.