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Minimum Equity Standard
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) created an equity accountability system mandating minimum equity standards for certain IPA administered programs and procurements. The Minimum Equity Standard (“MES”) helps ensure that the growing clean energy economy is accessible to everyone. Beginning June 1, 2023, an increasing portion of the workforce of an entity participating in the IPA’s Illinois Shines Program, Self-direct Program, or competitive renewable energy procurements must meet the requirements of the Minimum Equity Standard.
For information on MES requirements for projects participating in Illinois Shines, visit the Equity Accountability System page of the program website.
For information on MES requirements for utility-scale solar and wind projects, visit the Indexed Wind, Solar, and Brownfield page of the procurement website.
For all stakeholder engagement documents on MES, visit the Stakeholder Engagement page under Renewable Resources on the IPA website.
MES Documents
- MES Waiver Rationale (March 17, 2023)
- MES Final Waivers (March 23, 2023)
- MES Compliance Plan Form for utility-scale projects (January 8, 2024)
- Minimum Equity Standard (MES) Mid-Year Report for Indexed REC Projects (smartsheet.com) (March 15, 2024)
- Minimum Equity Standard (MES) Year-End Report for Indexed REC Projects (smartsheet.com) (Forthcoming)
MES Educational Resources
- Minimum Equity Standard FAQ
- Minimum Standard requirements (Section 10.1.3.1) of the Agency’s Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan
- MES Compliance and Waiver Request Training for utility-scale solar and wind projects (March 31, 2023)
- MES Compliance and Waiver Request Training for projects in Illinois Shines (March 13, 2023)
- Equity Accountability System (EAS) and Illinois Shines Informational Webinar 2 (November 15, 2022)
- Equity Accountability System (EAS) and Illinois Shines Informational Webinar 1 (October 4, 2022)