The Illinois Blueprint for Grid Modernization and Affordability

Recorded on September 23, 2026

Illinois recently enacted one of the most significant state energy policy packages in the country. In January, state Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act, a sweeping omnibus law designed to meet the state’s growing electricity demand and costs by establishing an energy storage policy, accelerating virtual power plants, expanding renewable programs, and supporting other advanced energy solutions.

In this webinar, panelists explored:

• the key provisions of CRGA and how they will expand markets for certain segments of the advanced energy industry;
• the strategies that helped move it across the finish line; and
• how other policymakers and industry leaders can adapt these lessons to advance similar reforms in their own states.

Panelists

• Joe Macklin, Calibrant Energy
  Director, Regulatory Strategy & Market Development
• JD Smith, Arch Solar
  Director of Government and External Affairs

Moderator

• Samarth Medakkar, Advanced Energy United
  Principal