SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s Senate Bill 3273 that clears the way for schools to develop solar energy projects has become law.
“With energy prices on the rise, our schools need every avenue to cut costs,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “By streamlining the process we are making it more convenient for schools to make the switch to a clean energy alternative.
Under the new law electric utilities would be required to complete interconnection-related evaluations, reviews and screenings within 30 days after determining that a request is complete. Public school projects would also bypass the standard interconnection queue, allowing them to move forward more quickly.
While stating that utilities are required to disclose upgrade costs and construction timelines to schools as soon as possible after completing interconnection reviews, giving school districts clearer information when planning projects.
“By signing this legislation into law we are making it clear that we do not want our schools to cut cost by eliminating teachers, cutting salaries or barely make it by,” said Cunningham “We have instead found a way for schools to save and show off how our state is leading the way on clean energy.”
SB 3273 was signed into law Friday and takes effect immediately.
