Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – CWLP is growing opportunities for more solar in Springfield’s energy portfolio with an approved solar energy purchase and work for a community solar grant underway. In May, the Springfield City Council approved City Water, Light and Power’s (CWLP’s) proposal for a 25-year, solar contract for 25 MW of energy and capacity. The contract with Sangamon Solar LLC, is in conjunction with a new 100 MW, 750-acre solar installation to be built in Sangamon County south of Chatham.

The energy purchase of 25 MW represents about 6.5% of the City’s energy load and is projected to produce enough energy to serve around 5,900 residential customers. The project, expected to start construction in 2026 and begin operation in 2028, will equate to a number of local construction and maintenance jobs.

For Community Solar programming, CWLP has officially launched Phase 1 of Sunshine Savings—an initiative with the goal of bringing solar power benefits directly to low-income residents by reducing their electric bills. Springfield City Council approved the contract for the first phase of the work in May.

Backed by a Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Sunshine Savings program is more than a renewable energy project—it’s a community wealth-building effort. This program, to be shaped in partnership with CWLP, The Faith Coalition for the Common Good and Sustainable Springfield, aims to create a model that other cities can replicate.

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