Michael Harrington
About this author
Michael Harrington is an energy policy analyst with more than 12 years of experience covering utility regulation, electricity markets, and energy infrastructure development across the Midwest. His work focuses on deregulated energy markets, grid modernization, consumer energy choice, and state-level policy reform. Before joining the editorial team, Michael worked alongside utility consultants and public policy organizations analyzing the impact of renewable energy integration and evolving energy legislation in Illinois. He is passionate about helping consumers better understand how energy markets work and how policy decisions affect everyday utility costs, reliability, and sustainability.
Energy & technology
How AI and Server Farms Are Surging Illinois Electric Bills
A profound shift is rippling through the Midwestern energy grid. For years, electricity supply and demand maintained a predictable balance across the region. That stability has fractured. Massive server farms, built to process artificial intelligence queries and cloud computing workloads, require an unprecedented volume of electricity. The sudden influx of these sprawling facilities has strained…
May 8, 2026
Policy
Rewiring the Prairie State: How the CRGA Act Triggers a 3GW Energy Storage Revolution
On January 8, 2026, Illinois fundamentally shifted its utility landscape. The state enacted the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), also known as Senate Bill 25. Governor JB Pritzker signed the legislation, which officially takes effect on June 1, 2026. Ultimately, this law marks a decisive pivot toward a resilient, decentralized power infrastructure. The…
April 7, 2026
Projects
The Pipeline: Tracking Illinois’ Largest Clean Energy Projects in 2026
The landscape of power generation in the Midwest is undergoing a structural transformation. CEJA mandates a carbon-free grid by 2050. Consequently, developers are building infrastructure of unprecedented scale. Localized rooftop and community solar installations surged first. Now, this movement has evolved into massive, utility-scale mega-ventures. Tracking Illinois clean energy projects in 2026 requires looking beyond…
March 19, 2026
Policy
Regulatory Landscape
Navigating the rules for batteries and grid tech is like being lost in a maze. It's a challenge for anyone wanting a cleaner grid. The rules are complex, with federal, state, and local layers all mixed up.Is it a utility asset or a market participant? The answer changes depending on who you ask. State guidelines…
March 3, 2026
Local Impact
Job Creation: Tracking the Growth of the IL Green Collar Workforce
Illinois’ clean energy transition isn’t just changing what powers the grid—it’s reshaping the job market. “Green collar” work in Illinois spans far beyond solar installers. It includes energy efficiency technicians, EV infrastructure electricians, wind service techs, HVAC specialists, building controls pros, manufacturing roles, and a growing ecosystem of project managers, designers, and operations staff. In…
March 2, 2026
Projects
The Sunflower Projects: Revitalizing Southern Illinois Coal Mines
Southern Illinois has long been tied to coal. For generations, mining shaped the region’s economy, workforce, and identity. Now, a new chapter is unfolding. Through a joint venture between RWE and Peabody Coal, the Sunflower Projects aim to transform reclaimed coal mine land into more than 750 megawatts (MW) of solar generation and battery storage.…
March 2, 2026
Projects
Utility-Scale Giants: Inside the Prairie Solar Project (Champaign County)
Illinois’ clean energy transformation is accelerating, and few projects better illustrate that momentum than the Prairie Solar Project in Champaign County. Developed by BayWa r.e., this massive 183-megawatt (MW) solar installation spans approximately 800 acres and represents one of the most significant utility-scale renewable developments in the region. As the project moves toward completion this…
March 2, 2026
Projects
Brownfield Reclamation: Lockport East & West (Will County)
Across Illinois, former industrial sites are finding new purpose as clean energy assets. One of the most compelling examples is the Lockport East & West project in Will County — a 37-acre former oil refinery site transformed into an 8.6-megawatt (MW) solar energy installation. This project represents more than just renewable power generation. It demonstrates…
March 2, 2026