Illinois may soon have a BESS windfall if clean grid legislation passes in the state Senate. Photo: AES
DOE terminates hundreds of clean energy project grants
Washington, D.C.
The Dept. of Energy announced it planned to terminate hundreds of grants issued through the Offices of Clean Energy Demonstrations and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Many solar-related initiatives and projects could be impacted by these cuts, including efforts to expand training for O&M technicians and much more.
Solar for All beneficiaries, states sue EPA for terminating program
Washington, D.C.
In October, multiple beneficiaries of the Solar for All federal grant program, along with 23 state attorneys general, sued the Environmental Protection Agency for terminating the $7 billion program that helped underserved communities access clean energy. The complaints argue the EPA illegally ended the program after grants were lawfully appropriated by Congress.
Bipartisan governors group asks Congress for tech-neutral energy permitting reforms
Washington, D.C.
A bipartisan group of more than a dozen governors released a package of reform priorities to improve federal permitting and regulatory processes for critical energy infrastructure projects. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, vice chair of the National Governors Association, said, “When it comes to energy infrastructure, we need to move from no and slow, to yes and now.”
District court rules renewable energy must be considered in Puerto Rico energy rebuild
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Conservation groups won a legal challenge against FEMA in Puerto Rico regarding its plans to rebuild the territory’s electric grid without considering distributed renewable energy. The court ordered FEMA to analyze renewables as an alternative to fossil fuels in the rebuild.
California passes battery storage safety standards after Moss Landing fire
Sacramento, California
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law in October that strengthens safety standards around the development of energy storage facilities and bolsters coordination with fire officials. The legislation was introduced following the Moss Landing battery storage fire that left lingering effects on the community.
Advocates ask Idaho Public Utilities Commission to reconsider rooftop solar cuts
Boise, Idaho
On Oct. 21, Vote Solar and Sierra Club filed a Petition for Reconsideration with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission following the proposal by Idaho Power to reduce compensation rates for residential solar. In this petition, the organizations asked the commission to create a working group to resolve issues with the rooftop solar export rates before the next scheduled review in 2028.
Illinois legislature passes Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act
Springfield, Illinois
On Oct. 30, Illinois legislators passed the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability Act during the 2025 veto session. The bill that’s now on the governor’s desk aims to strengthen Illinois’ energy grid and protect communities from rising energy costs using energy storage incentives and new utility requirements.
Illinois doubles capacity of solar incentive program ahead of federal ITC phase-out
Springfield, Illinois
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved key updates to the Illinois Power Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan to expand solar capacity and protect Illinois consumers from rising energy costs. The revised plan immediately updates the state’s solar incentive program — doubling the capacity of community, commercial and small-scale solar categories ahead of the federal ITC phase-out.
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