ICC Asks Utilities to Apply for IIJA Grants, Assistance

In June, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) proactively filed a Notice of Inquiry from state-regulated utilities, including ComEd and People's Gas, seeking information about plans to apply for federal grants, loans, assistance, and programs under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021.

The IIJA provides for approximately $550 billion in federal funding for infrastructure improvements including public utility infrastructure such as electric generation, clean energy transmission and deployment, electric vehicle infrastructure, grid reliability, energy efficiency, and access to clean water and cybersecurity.

Grants and other assistance attained by state-regulated utilities can benefit customers by offsetting ratepayer fees or providing additional services or incentive programs.

Members of BOMA/Chicago's Energy and Sustainability Committee also met with ComEd about federal grants and assistance that could specifically support the sustainability efforts of commercial office buildings. BOMA/Chicago will continue this conversation with ComEd and the City of Chicago and explore potential funding in the months ahead.