Indexed Wind, Solar, Brownfield, and Hydropower

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) seeks to procure renewable energy credits (RECs) from new utility-scale wind projects (over 5 MW), new utility-scale solar projects (over 5 MW), new brownfield site photovoltaic projects, and new or modernized hydropower projects at existing dams. The procurement is for the portfolios of Ameren Illinois Company (AIC), Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd), and MidAmerican Energy Company (MEC) through the Indexed REC Contract.

This RFP is governed by the Illinois Power Agency Act, the Illinois Public Utilities Act, and the IPA's 2026 Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission on February 17, 2026. The procurement targets are: Solar Category - 1,300,000 RECs annually; Brownfield Category - 266,271 RECs annually; and Wind/Hydro Category - 2,500,000 RECs annually.

Proposals consist of two parts: Part 1 Proposal addresses project qualification standards and establishes that the seller accepts the terms of the Indexed REC Contract, and Part 2 Proposal includes bids and financial guarantees. A non-refundable Bid Participation Fee of $500 is required per bidder for the 2026 procurement events. Bidders must register online at the procurement website to submit proposals. Part 1 Proposals must be submitted by 12 PM Central Prevailing Time (CPT) on the Part 1 Date. Part 2 materials must be submitted by 12 PM CPT on the Part 2 Date, with bids evaluated on the Bid Date during a specific time window.

Key deadlines and milestones include: Part 1 Window opens for proposal submission; Part 1 Notification Date announces qualification results; Part 2 Window opens following notification; Part 2 Date is the deadline for materials; Bid Date is when bids are evaluated; Commission decision expected within two business days of receiving administrator and monitor reports; contract execution within three business days of Commission approval. All bids must remain binding for 14 business days after the anticipated Commission decision date.