Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield’s City Water, Light and Power has been awarded a $100,000 grant to design a community solar program. The funds come from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. The “Sunshine Savings” program aims to help low-income and disadvantaged areas by reducing electric bills through solar energy produced by a new CWLP-owned installation.

“To be able to transfer the advantages of solar energy to some of our community members who are in need will be a very rewarding and unique effort among local assistance programs,” said Mayor Misty Buscher.   

According to a news release from CWLP, the DCEO Community Solar Energy Sovereignty grant award chooses projects that promote community wealth building via renewable generation projects.

CWLP Chief Utility Engineer Doug Brown said the program could serve as a model for other municipal utilities working to create a financially viable and community-centered solar project that reinvests in a community.

Springfield City Council approval is needed to accept the funds and hire a contractor to develop the program. The plan is to finalize the layout by Summer 2025. Additional funding will be needed to build the solar array. CWLP partnered with The Faith Coalition for the Common Good and Sustainable Springfield for this grant.