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
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
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 1,773 Bcf as of Friday, March 28, 2025, according to EIA estimates.
This represents a net increase of 29 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 491 Bcf less than last year at this time and 80 Bcf below the five-year average of 1,853 Bcf. At 1,773 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 1,744 Bcf as of Friday, March 21, 2025, according to EIA estimates.
This represents a net increase of 37 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 557 Bcf less than last year at this time and 122 Bcf below the five-year average of 1,866 Bcf. At 1,744 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 1,707 Bcf as of Friday, March 14, 2025, according to EIA estimates.
This represents a net increase of 9 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 624 Bcf less than last year at this time and 190 Bcf below the five-year average of 1,897 Bcf. At 1,707 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.
DOE EIA Weekly Gas Storage Report
Working gas in storage was 1,698 Bcf as of Friday, March 7, 2025, according to EIA estimates.
This represents a net decrease of 62 Bcf from the previous week. Stocks were 628 Bcf less than last year at this time and 230 Bcf below the five-year average of 1,928 Bcf. At 1,698 Bcf, total working gas is within the five-year historical range.