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Energy

As coal continues to be phased out,
Illinois is emerging as a leader of the clean energy economy.

Illinois has a unique electricity generation mix. As of March 2019, the state’s net electricity generation by source was 7% natural gas, 30% coal-fired, 54% nuclear (most in the nation) and 10% renewables.
 
The state is served by two electrical grids, ComEd, which spans the northern portion of the state, and Ameren, which serves much of the Midcontinent region. Because Illinois generates much more electricity than we consume, the state is an exporter of electricity. Illinois is also a key energy hub for the nation, with over a dozen interstate natural gas pipelines, two natural gas market centers, several petroleum and petroleum product pipelines, and an oil port.

Renewable energy

Illinois is on track to get 25% of its renewables by 2025

energy efficiency

Consumers get the same services for less money

fossil fuels

Burning fossil fuels harms our health and environment

transportation

The transportation sector is now the largest carbon emitter

Energy in Illinois

Illinois has a unique electricity generation mix. As of March 2019, the state’s net electricity generation by source was 7% natural gas, 30% coal-fired, 54% nuclear (most in the nation) and 10% renewables.
 
The state is served by two electrical grids, ComEd, which spans the northern portion of the state, and Ameren, which serves much of the Midcontinent region. Because Illinois generates much more electricity than we consume, the state is an exporter of electricity. Illinois is also a key energy hub for the nation, with over a dozen interstate natural gas pipelines, two natural gas market centers, several petroleum and petroleum product pipelines, and an oil port.
More than 100,000 Illinois workers are employed in clean energy jobs (wind turbines and solar panels, biofuels, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency) and we have more clean energy jobs than the state’s real estate and accounting sectors combined. Energy efficiency accounted for almost 66% of these jobs, while renewable energy accounted for 20%. But we can and should continually strive to do better by maximizing investment in energy efficiency and keeping the energy efficiency goals for industrial users strong; regaining our position as one of the top three states in the country for wind production; becoming a top solar-producing state; and incentivizing research into and development of renewable energy technologies.

Energy Actions

Energy Updates

WCPT 820 Interview: Dany Robles

Richard Chew is joined by Dany Robles, senior legislative director at the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC); he talks about IEC's 2026 Legislative Environmental Scorecard.

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2026 Environmental Scorecard

IEC's state legislative team has published our 2026 Environmental Scorecard evaluating the performance of every Illinois state legislator based on their environmental voting record.

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