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
US Government Finds Smoking is Good For Your Health
Imagine such a headline. The US led a legal battle for over 40 years and secured a finding that cigarettes caused cancer. This was both a legal and scientific finding: cigarettes caused cancer. The cigarette companies collectively had to pay billions and agree to stringent controls over their cancer-causing product.
The same just happened again. The Trump administration had the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) withdraw a scientific finding that greenhouse gases threatened human life and wellbeing. This, too, was a scientific fact, proven and legally valid.
Why would the US government invalidate a scientific and legal finding?
“Hoax,” claims the administration, even though the facts were established under President Nixon and upheld by every administration and world body since.
This “deregulatory” move reverses the endangerment finding that allowed the EPA (yes, the agency that protects our health) to enforce limits on emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other pollutants. These pollutants were regulated because they showed a direct connection to killing Americans.
“Greenhouse gases.” CO2 is not a pollutant, claimed the Interior Secretary, saying “we emit it in our breath.” Of course this is true, but what does it mean? Nothing in regard to why the EPA regulates emissions.
In addition to killing Americans, these emissions cause climate change. Again, this is a scientific and legal finding. Denying this is like denying gravity. You can say gravity doesn’t exist, but don’t jump off a building to prove it.
The basis and hallmarks of US government and US business were founded in science and legal reasoning.
The world will not follow the US in this ridiculous action. It will set back US competitiveness, increase global temperatures, and kill Americans.
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:
Trump touts climate savings but new rule set to push up US prices | Environment | The Guardian