CWLP details two solar deals, 20‑year IRP timeline and three‑year AMI meter rollout

CWLP representatives told Springfield’s Committee of the Whole on Aug. 25 that the utility has two long‑term solar purchase power agreements and is preparing to start a statutorily required Integrated Resource Plan.

“There's 1 in construction right now, South Sangamon Solar. It's a 25‑year contract for 25 megawatts of energy,” said Mike Gorsuch, a CWLP electric-division presenter. He added the utility also has a 20‑year agreement for roughly 20 megawatts near the airport.

Gorsuch said the IRP will be a 20‑year roadmap updated every five years under new state legislation referred to in the meeting as the Clean Reliable Grid Act (SIRGIA). “By state law, we have to have it started by January '27, and we have to have a final version by January '28,” he said, and staff expect to bring an ordinance this month to award a consultant to begin public engagement.

The presentation also covered the city’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project. Gorsuch said the AMI rollout will be phased over about three years, will cover approximately 70,000 meters, and the system vendor selection (Lanus and Gear) is largely complete. He described benefits including automated reads, outage detection, remote connect/disconnect capability and improved billing accuracy, and noted the project is funded through the city’s 2025 bond refinancing.

Council members asked about schedule and costs; staff said proposals were returned and a consultant award ordinance will come to council soon so the public‑engagement schedule can be finalized. No formal action on the IRP or AMI was taken at the meeting; staff said they will return with ordinance language and timing for formal committee or council consideration.