Overview
Illinois homeowners have a variety of Programs available designed to incentivize the deployment of renewable technologies. The Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (“CEJA”), passed in 2021 by the Illinois legislature, required ComEd & Ameren to establish rebates for qualifying solar energy and energy storage devices. There are currently three active incentive programs for ComEd and Ameren customers.
IL Shines Adjustable Block Program - LightReach applies and receives
DG Smart Inverter Rebate - LightReach applies and receives
Energy Storage Rebate - Customer applies and receives (optional)
LightReach is the system owner as detailed in your Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). LightReach will be applying for and claiming the first two incentives:
1) Adjustable Block Program, and 2) DG Smart Inverter Rebate, which enables LightReach to offer a lower monthly payment for your PPA.
LightReach is enabling you, the Host Customer and homeowner, to claim the 3) Energy Storage Rebate. If you choose to fill out the application and meet program requirements, such as electing a Time of Use utility rate, then the incentive money will be paid from the utility to you!
LightReach customers may optionally apply for and receive the Illinois Energy Storage Rebate funds.Submit your application after the system is installed, and ComEd/Ameren issues Permission to Operate (PTO). |
Energy Storage Rebate Value
As of January 2025, the Energy Storage Rebate for residential customers is $300 per kWh of storage nameplate capacity.
For example, two Tesla Powerwall 3’s connected with a new or existing solar system is eligible for an estimated $8,100. ($300 * 13.5 kWh storage capacity per unit * 2 batteries)
Battery Provider | Model | Nameplate Capacity | Estimated Rebate per unit |
Tesla | Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | $4,050 |
Enphase | IQ Battery 3T | 3.5 kWh | $1,050 |
Enphase | IQ Battery 5P | 5.0 kWh | $1,500 |
Enphase | IQ Battery 10T | 10.5 kWh | $3,150 |
SolarEdge | Home Battery 10k | 9.7 kWh | $2,910 |
Schneider | Boost - BAT10K1 | 10.56 kWh | $3,168 |
Program Eligibility
To be eligible for the Energy Storage Rebate:
Applicant must be a ComEd or Ameren electric customer
Agree to abide by all Program Terms & Conditions for the life of the system
Energy Storage System must be coupled with a qualifying solar system (ie. standalone storage is not eligible)
System must be installed in accordance with all state codes & standards
Applicant is required to take their utility supply service under a time varying or ‘time of use’ rate and remain on a qualifying rate for the life of the Energy Storage System
Hourly Pricing Rate - Required
As an eligibility condition of the Energy Storage Rebate, customers are required to transition onto a qualifying TOU rate. Please be aware that you, and any successor customers at your residence, must remain on a qualifying TOU rate for the life of the Energy Storage System
TOU rates charge consumers more for energy used during peak periods (when grid consumption is high), and less during off-peak periods (when grid consumption is lower). ComEd and Ameren's TOU rates change every hour every day of the year based on the "day-ahead" market prices rather than fixed on and off-peak time periods. This means customers must pay attention and sign up for Hourly Pricing alerts with the utility.
To save money on their electric bill, consumers should limit their energy usage from the grid during on-peak hours.
Illinois TOU rates change every hour and everyday -- called Hourly Pricing
Weather plays an important role. When it’s hot or extremely cold, typically demand on the grid –and prices– are at the highest.
Generally prices are the highest during summer afternoons and evenings approximately 1-8pm
Consumers can take advantage of TOU rates by shifting electricity intensive activities to off-peak periods, such as adjusting the thermostat, washing clothes, running the dishwasher, or charging an EV. Solar and energy storage can also help by storing energy that can later be used to avoid grid purchases during peak periods.
The qualifying residential Time of Use (TOU) rates available as of January 2025 are:
ComEd customers - Hourly Pricing (BESH)
Ameren customers - Real Time Pricing, PowerSmart Pricing, or Peak Time Rewards
ComEd's Hourly Pricing Rate
ComEd's Hourly Pricing Rate
Basic Electric Service with Hourly Energy Pricing (BESH)
BESH is a supply rate program for residential electric customers where the price you pay for electricity varies hour by hour based on actual market prices.
Customers with a Retail Electric Supplier (RES) would switch to ComEd.
Supply rates will change every hour every day of the year. In general prices will be the highest during summer weekdays from 1-8pm. In general, prices will be lower overnight, weekends, and most hours in the winter months.
Any excess solar exported to the grid will be credited at the hourly supply and transmission rates that the kWh is exported
Learn more https://hourlypricing.comed.com/faqs/
Ameren's TOU Rate Options
Ameren's TOU Rate Options
Ameren DS-1 residential customers have three rate options to choose from:
Real Time Pricing (RTP)
RTP is a supply rate program for residential electric customers where the price you pay for electricity varies hour by hour based on actual market prices.
Customers with a Retail Electric Supplier (RES) would switch to Ameren.
Supply rates will change every hour every day of the year. In general prices will be the highest during summer weekdays from 1-8pm. In general, prices will be lower overnight, weekends, and most hours in the winter months.
Any excess solar exported to the grid will be credited at the hourly supply and transmission rates that the kWh is exported
PowerSmart Pricing (PSP)
PSP uses the same hourly pricing charges and crediting structure as RTP.
The difference is Rider RSP customers receive enhanced customer service and education in exchange for a monthly fee, which is currently $2.25.
Peak Time Rewards (PTR)
PTR is Ameren’s demand response program
It doesn’t require changing your Retail Electric Supplier or hourly supply prices
During peak demand events, you will receive alerts from Ameren to reduce your electric usage. 1-20 events will occur each year.
You can receive credits for usage that you reduce during the events compared to your baseline usage. In 2024, the credits were ~$1 per kWh reduction.
Events often occur on summer weekday afternoons when temperatures are high
Adjusting your thermostat and/or consuming stored energy from your battery will make the most impact.
General advice to maximize savings on TOU rates
General advice to maximize savings on TOU rates
Shifting Energy Usage
In general, TOU pricing in Illinois is at its highest during summer afternoons and early evenings (1-8pm) due to air conditioning increasing demand on the grid.
Ameren states, “Prices are generally lower on weekends and holidays and on days when the weather is cool.”
Weather plays a significant role in peak prices. When it’s hot, demand on the grid increases, which in turn increases prices.
Extreme cold events can do the same in the winter, although winter prices are generally much lower and less likely to fluctuate.
When you are on a TOU rate, shift any controllable loads to off-peak times with particular attention in the summer
Sign up for Ameren and ComEd’s day-ahead hourly pricing projections and alerts
Energy Storage
Work with your installer to understand how best to program your energy storage device to optimize for maximum energy savings. This could include storing solar production or off-peak energy for use during on-peak periods (ie. arbitrage), maximizing solar self-consumption (ie. limited export), participating in a peak reduction program or some combination.
New solar and solar+storage customers are placed on a net metering program called Supply-Only Export Credits where any solar exported to the grid is credited the Supply rate instead of the full retail rate. A Self-Consumption mode limiting solar exports is beneficial in this credit mechanism.
Air Conditioning & Smart Thermostats
Air conditioning can account for 50% or more of your total summer energy costs. Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically control your air conditioner and furnace or heat pump.
During the summer, set your thermostat to 85 degrees when you're away from home. For every degree you raise your thermostat above 80, you can save 2-3% on cooling costs.
NOTE: Some thermostats offer advanced features that will achieve your set temperature by the time programmed instead of starting at the time programmed. Check the instruction manual or manufacturer's website to verify advanced features.
Electric Vehicles & other devices
If you have an electric vehicle, make sure to charge it overnight during off-peak hours.
Typical households wash and dry nearly 400 loads of laundry each year. Operate your washer and dryer during off-peak hours with cool water to save money.
Install and set a timer for the electric water heater to prevent on-peak heating. Turning down the thermostat to 120 degrees can save up to $7 a month.
Application Process
Customers interested in applying for the Energy Storage Rebate are encouraged to follow the steps below. Please note, the steps differ slightly for ComEd and Ameren customers and are subject to change over time.
ComEd application process
ComEd application process
Step 1: Wait until your system is installed, and you receive Permission to Operate (PTO) your solar system.
Step 2: Contact ComEd to switch onto a qualifying time varying rate. Learn more about ComEd’s time varying rates here: https://hourlypricing.comed.com/ . Enroll in ComEd’s time varying rate online, over the phone or via email.
Step 3: Sign the Program Terms & Conditions. A copy of the T&C’s can be downloaded from ComEd’s Rebate page under “More information”: https://www.comed.com/smart-energy/my-green-power-connection/solar-energy/solar-rebates
Step 4: Register for an account and submit your application at the link below. For additional assistance, please contact ComEd or your system installer. https://interconnect.comed.com/login
Ameren application process
Ameren application process
Step 1: Wait until your system is installed, and you receive Permission to Operate (PTO) your solar system.
Step 2: Complete and sign the rebate application. The application can be downloaded by selecting the green “Rebate Application” button on the Ameren Rebates webpage at the link below. For additional assistance, please contact Ameren or your system installer. https://www.ameren.com/illinois/residential/supply-choice/renewables/rebates
Step 3: Submit your rebate application & supporting documentation. Applications and documents should be sent to Ameren via email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who will receive the Energy Storage Rebate?
A: You, as the host customer. While LightReach is eligible to collect the rebate as the system owner, we have elected to enable customers to secure the energy storage rebate themselves on a voluntary basis.
Q: Who is responsible for submitting the Energy Storage Rebate application?
A: Interested customers will submit an application following the steps outlined above.
Q: When do I submit my Energy Storage Rebate application?
A: Wait until after the system is installed AND ComEd/Ameren has issued Permission to Operate (PTO) your solar system.
Q: What if I need assistance with my application?
A: Please contact ComEd or Ameren directly or reach out to your system installer for assistance. For equipment information, please contact your system installer.
Q: Do I have to switch onto a Time of Use (TOU) rate plan?
A: Yes, if you wish to receive the Energy Storage Rebate you are required to change your rate plan.
Q: Can I switch back to my original rate plan?
A: No, per the Rebate Terms & Conditions customers must remain on an eligible TOU rate plan for the life of the energy storage equipment.
Q: What is the process for switching my rate?
A: For ComEd customers, enroll online at https://hourlypricing.comed.com/enroll/ or call (888) 202-7787. For Ameren customers, simply select your desired rate plan on the Rebate Application.
Q: What is the estimated Energy Storage Rebate for my battery?
A: As of January 2025, the rebate for residential customers is $300 per kWh of storage nameplate capacity. Below are estimated rebates per battery unit installed. For example, if you installed two units you can expect double the estimated rebate value.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: If you have additional questions, please contact ComEd (1-800-334-7661) or Ameren (1-800-232-2477) Customer Service Departments. Visit ComEd's website or Ameren's website. You can also reach out to your Sales Representative or contact LightReach Customer Support at 855-339-1831 or [email protected].