Illinois Offers Community Solar Option
When the utility, state, regulatory and consumer protection agencies, and environmental groups all agree… well then, you can move forward in a big way.
Like in a 50-megawatt way… enough for about 45,000 homes.
The issue that was preventing the solar system from getting a quick permit was capacity constraints. That is, on the two or three times a year when power demand is very low (no A/C or heat is needed or running), they wanted the ability to curtail (turn off) the solar supply in favor of the must-run nuclear power.
NO PROBLEM was the answer.
With that solution agreed upon, ComEd was able to use technology to solve the complex issue of capacity constraints. Having too much power can be as difficult as having too little!
The community solar system being constructed benefits many people, as they can buy from the community solar system, and ComEd agrees to deliver that energy at the cost you purchase it from the community solar developer.
It can be very similar to the solar PV systems we install. The difference is that Realgy installs them for the use of one larger customer, whereas community solar installs larger PV systems and allows many (think hundreds) to buy some or all of their energy.
Coming to this understanding was not simple or easy. Utilities and solar developers have been at odds for years. State agencies did not always want additional power supplies in their state, and regulatory/consumer protection agencies took a skeptical view of the technology and developers. However, with the demand for power increasing and solar PV now a proven and reliable supply, most of these issues have been overcome.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer serving commercial customers in the states of Illinois, and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 11 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Now 12 with the inclusion of Highland Park newest recreation center West Ridge Center – New Community Recreation Facility Coming in 2026 | Park District of Highland Park
Additional Information:
How a community solar breakthrough took shape in… | Canary Media
Will NYMEX Natural Gas War Premium Evaporate?
- The NYMEX front-month natural gas contract is up 23.6¢ (+8%) through Friday—but the rally is driven more by geopolitical headlines than by domestic fundamentals. With recent shifts in the Iran conflict, natural gas faces mounting bearish risks over the next 30–45 days.
- Fundamentally, U.S. LNG exports are already operating at or near effective maximum capacity. With no room to increase exports, there is no short-term structural link between global headlines and domestic demand. Instead, the mildest March in 14 years has reduced late-winter demand for gas, flipping a 130-Bcf deficit versus five-year norms in February into a nearly 150-Bcf projected surplus by mid-April.
- In the longer term, U.S. natural gas storage is on pace to exceed 4.0+ Tcf—a trajectory that historically triggers a bearish correction.
- Today’s announcement by President Trump, signaling a pause in threats to Iranian energy infrastructure, has weakened the primary pillar of recent price support. As the “war premium” erodes, bearish fundamentals may regain control of the NYMEX gas curve. The disconnect between financial inflows and physical oversupply has widened in recent weeks, raising downside risks heading into the shoulder season.
- Counter to all fundamentals, however, energy prices historically do not decline rapidly.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered retail energy marketer serving commercial customers in Illinois and Indiana. We offer service plans that provide electricity and natural gas at wholesale pricing directly to customers—without any utility markup. Our service plans work alongside the local utility to deliver seamless energy service and annual cost savings. Offerings include Guaranteed Savings™, ManagedPrice™, ManagedGreen™ Index, Fixed, and PriceAssurance™ plans.
Realgy owns and operates 11 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Soon to be 12 with the inclusion of Highland Park newest recreation center West Ridge Center – New Community Recreation Facility Coming in 2026 | Park District of Highland Park
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Park District of Highland Park, Realgy Energy, and Love Energy & Construction Complete Second Solar Project at New West Ridge Recreation Facility
Park District of Highland Park, Realgy Energy, and Love Energy & Construction Complete Second Solar Project at New West Ridge Recreation Facility
Highland Park, IL – March 26, 2026
The Park District of Highland Park, in partnership with Realgy Energy Services and Love Energy & Construction, has completed its second solar photovoltaic (PV) installation at the new West Ridge Recreation Facility. The 99 kW-DC / 75 kW-AC solar system is expected to provide approximately one-third of the building’s annual energy needs, supporting the Park District’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Originally approved by the City of Highland Park on July 17, 2025, this project represents the Park District’s second collaboration with Realgy. The first solar installation, completed in 2021 at the Deer Creek Racquet Club, continues to provide energy and cost savings.
The solar installation at West Ridge has been completed and has received final inspection approval. ComEd is currently installing the transformer, and the permanent service meter is expected to be in place by next month, with system commissioning scheduled by the end of March 2026.
The new recreation facility at West Ridge, scheduled to open in 2026, will feature a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium, three multi-purpose enrichment rooms, a multi-use dance studio, and a large community room. The building’s inclusive design will serve as a hub for community engagement and wellness.
Under a 15-year lease agreement, Realgy will finance, install, and maintain the solar PV system at no cost to the Park District. Realgy will also supply the remainder of the building’s energy needs at rates that average 5% below ComEd, helping the Park District reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, avoid delivery fees, and secure long-term energy savings.
This project is part of Realgy’s broader initiative to provide cost-effective renewable energy solutions to public and private organizations.
For more information, please contact:
Terrence Black, Project Developer – 317-201-4435 or blackt33@yahoo.com
Molly Czako, Realgy Energy Services – 860-233-2270 x1002 or MMcGuigan@realgy.com
Rising Energy Prices in Illinois Amid the Iran War
Rising Energy Prices in Illinois Amid the Iran War
Energy prices across Illinois are climbing sharply in 2026, driven by the ongoing war involving Iran. While Illinois is far from the Middle East geographically, it is deeply connected to global energy markets—meaning international conflicts can quickly translate into higher costs for everyday consumers.
Global Conflict, Local Consequences
The current war has significantly disrupted global oil and gas supplies. Attacks on key energy infrastructure and instability in critical shipping routes—especially the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil—have sent shockwaves through energy markets.
Recent strikes on oil and gas facilities and escalating military actions have pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, levels not seen since earlier global crises. This surge reflects fears of prolonged supply disruptions and reduced exports from the Middle East.
Why Illinois Is Affected
Although the United States is a major energy producer, it still participates in a global pricing system. As a result, when international oil prices rise, gasoline and heating costs increase nationwide including in Illinois.
Experts note that the war has restricted oil exports and tightened supply, leading to immediate price hikes. In northern Illinois, drivers were warned early on to expect higher gasoline prices as global markets reacted to the conflict.
Additionally, Illinois relies heavily on refined fuels transported across the country. When crude oil becomes more expensive, refining and transportation costs rise as well—further increasing prices at the pump.
Impact on Consumers
The effects are already visible:
• Gasoline prices have risen significantly, with national averages nearing $3.84 per gallon and climbing.
• Heating oil costs have surged, especially in colder regions, due to higher crude prices.
• Transportation and goods prices are increasing since fuel costs affect supply chains.
For Illinois households, this means higher commuting expenses, increased utility bills, and rising prices for everyday goods.
Government Response
In response to rising energy costs, the U.S. government has taken several emergency measures:
• Releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to increase supply
• Temporarily easing fuel regulations to reduce production costs
• Suspending shipping restrictions to improve fuel distribution
These actions aim to stabilize prices
Looking Ahead
If the conflict escalates or key supply routes remain disrupted, prices could continue to rise. Conversely, a diplomatic resolution could quickly ease global markets.
What this situation ultimately highlight is the vulnerability of local energy costs to global events. Even in a state like Illinois—far removed from the battlefield—international conflicts can have immediate and tangible economic consequences.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer serving commercial customers in the states of Illinois, and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 11 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Soon to be 12 with the inclusion of Highland Park newest recreation center West Ridge Center – New Community Recreation Facility Coming in 2026 | Park District of Highland Park
Capitalism Will Win Over Government Intervention.
CAPITALism
In theory, markets (demand for a product along with price, service, and convenience) set the price. To operate efficiently, competition is required. Few markets face more competition than the power markets in the US.
Recently, the government has interfered with not only the theory, but the practice, of power markets. Examples include requiring certain power plants to continue to operate, requiring certain customers to receive wholesale power rates, or casting aside environmental or societal benefits to favor a different fuel.
However, as has been said, capitalism is the most powerful force ever unleashed.
In this current example, the government has dictated that coal plants continue to operate instead of retiring as planned. The result: power prices are staying high, and the expense of continued operation of these decrepit facilities is adding to electric price inflation. No investment is being made in them, rather just short-term fixes to meet the government demand to keep them operating.
Being displaced, as electric demand is being met by the coal plants, are numerous built and planned power plants that could operate at lower cost and with lower environmental impact (which is a cost).
The companies operating these coal plants are not confused. They understand it is a political action, which too shall pass.
Capitalism will win.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer serving commercial customers in the states of Illinois and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing directly to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed Savings™, ManagedPrice™, ManagedGreen™ Index, Fixed, and PriceAssurance™.
Realgy owns and operates 11 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Soon to be 12 with the inclusion of Highland Park’s newest recreation center, West Ridge Center,- New Community Recreation Facility Coming in 2026 | Park District of Highland Park
Additional Information:
Trump is keeping coal on life support. How long can it last? | Grist
MF’ing Wind Farms: Samuel L. Jackson Said It Best
Reality vs. opinion, the rule of law, the need for real power, and the impact of fossil fuel use in energy production
All of these issues are at play with the Trump Administration’s cancellation of wind farm projects.
Adding a touch of comedy, Samuel L. Jackson offers a humorous perspective.
Projects that were nearly completed, along with those that had spent years in planning, development, and government review, have been brought to a halt by Trump officials. Their actions question permits, raise “national security” concerns, and highlight supposed financial risks.
In most cases, the courts have found these attempts to be unlawful. However, they continue.
Wind power requires no fossil fuels to produce electricity; none.
It may be true again; humor is the best medicine. It seems to cut thru the nonsense.
Realgy Energy Services is a registered Retail Energy Marketer serving commercial customers in the states of Illinois, and Indiana. We offer Service Plans that will provide electric and natural gas at wholesale pricing direct to customers without any utility markup. Our Service Plans work with the local utility to provide seamless service and annual energy savings. Service Plans include Guaranteed SavingsTM, ManagedPriceTM, ManagedGreenTM Index, Fixed and PriceAssuranceTM.
Realgy owns and operates 11 solar plants in Illinois and is looking to invest in additional locations. Soon to be 12 with the inclusion of Highland Park newest recreation center West Ridge Center – New Community Recreation Facility Coming in 2026 | Park District of Highland Park
Additional Information: