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
IEC’s Mundra Turtogtokh shares some of the exciting items generously donated for our 2026 Environmental Leadership Dinner silent auction.
Clean energy workers are building the wind, solar, and battery storage projects to help build Illinois’ climate resilience and clean energy future. The training programs equipping those workers with the skills necessary for Illinois’ green economy were made possible by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which turns five on September 15, 2026.
On Aug. 11, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order calling for a pause on data center construction and expansion in the city of Chicago.
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Tuesday directing city departments to intensify scrutiny of new data centers in Chicago — a politically potent move that doesn’t unilaterally impose new limits on the fast-growing industry, but could slow its growth.
Every year, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) issues a voting scorecard that grades members of the Illinois General Assembly on how they voted for bills affecting the environment.