Clean Energy Planning

Keeping Clean Power Goals on Track

Program Overview

  • The Small Utility Clean Energy Planning Grant Program, funded by congressionally approved and lawfully awarded funds from U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG), is designed to facilitate the transition of municipal and cooperative utilities to cleaner energy sources by supporting their planning efforts. The program will provide financial assistance for technical assessments, procurement strategies, and implementation planning to help these utilities secure renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) and integrate clean energy generation into their portfolios.
  • Through this grant program, municipal and cooperative utilities will receive funding to assess their energy needs, evaluate available renewable energy options, and develop procurement strategies that align with Illinois’ decarbonization goals. The initiative aims to equip utilities with the resources needed to navigate the complexities of clean power integration, ensuring compliance with state and federal climate policies while maintaining reliable and affordable electricity service.

Funding & Eligibility

  • The program will allocate $2 million over a five-year period, with the goal of supporting between 8-12 municipal or cooperative electric utilities in their strategic clean energy planning, procurement, and implementation efforts.
  • Funding can be used for projects that demonstrate a clear strategy to support clean energy transition planning, align with statewide CEJA goals, and facilitate the retirement, replacement, or re-contracting of fossil-fuel based electricity sources. Please check the NOFO for a list of eligible funding activities.

How to Apply

Small Utility Clean Energy Planning grant applications are now open! Applications will be reviewed and awarded as they are received through December 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Click the link below to apply.

AmpliFund Link

Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO)

Small Utility Clean Energy Planning Grant Rolling Application (NOFO#IFA-CPRG-04)

Illinois Finance Authority – Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: Small Utility Clean Energy Planning Grant Program Rolling Application

Small Utility Clean Energy Planning Grant Application (NOFO#IFA-CPRG-02)

Illinois Finance Authority – Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: Small Utility Clean Energy Planning Grant Program

Additional Resources

Clean Energy Planning Application Resources

Grant Funding Opportunities Webinar – May 5 and 6, 2025