summary
Introduced
01/29/2026
01/29/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "plug-in solar energy system". Provides that an electricity provider shall not require an eligible customer who uses, or intends to install and use, a plug-in solar energy system to do certain actions. Provides that an eligible customer may, but shall not be required to, conform the eligible customer's plug-in solar energy system to the interconnection requirements under provisions concerning net metering and any rules adopted pursuant to those provisions. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system that does not interconnect to the electrical system in a manner that is consistent with the applicable rules adopted by the Illinois Commerce Commission shall not be eligible for net electricity metering. Provides that a plug-in solar energy system shall not qualify for any distributed generation rebate. Provides that an electricity provider shall not be liable for any damage or injury caused by an eligible customer's plug-in solar energy system. Provides that homeowners' associations, common interest community associations, and condominium unit owners' associations shall not adopt or enforce any covenant, bylaw, regulation, or other rule that unreasonably restricts or prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the installation or use of a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum power output to a receptacle outlet of 391 watts or less. Provides that landlords shall not adopt or enforce any lease or contract that unreasonably restricts or prohibits, or has the effect of prohibiting, the installation or use of a plug-in solar energy system that has a maximum power output to a receptacle outlet of 391 watts or less.
AI Summary
This bill defines a "plug-in solar energy system" as a solar energy system, potentially including energy storage, that can export no more than 1,200 watts to an outlet, connects through an existing electrical outlet, is located in an exclusive-use outdoor area, primarily offsets electricity consumption, and meets national electrical code and testing laboratory standards. It prohibits electricity providers from requiring approval, fees, or additional equipment for these systems from eligible customers, who are defined as retail electricity customers. While customers can choose to connect their plug-in solar energy systems to the electrical grid according to net metering rules (which allow for credits on electricity bills for excess energy sent back to the grid), they are not required to do so, and systems not meeting these interconnection rules will not be eligible for net electricity metering. Furthermore, these systems will not qualify for distributed generation rebates, and electricity providers are not liable for any damage or injury caused by them. The bill also prevents homeowners' associations and similar organizations, as well as landlords, from enforcing rules or contracts that unreasonably restrict or prohibit the installation or use of plug-in solar energy systems with a maximum power output of 391 watts or less, with these restrictions applying to documents created or amended after the bill's effective date.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee Hearing (10:30:00 3/5/2026 Room 212) (on 03/05/2026)
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