Title
Resolution to support and endorse the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program organized by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and the Illinois Power Bureau.
Staff Summary
• The Lake County Regional Framework Plan encompasses several goals related to energy conservation, reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, protecting natural resources, and implementing smart growth policies as a part of its commitment to strong environmental protection measures.
• The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) supports the regional community solar development by pairing subscribers to current and developing subscription opportunities.
• Lake County residents choosing to participate in the program would be able to reduce their energy costs through community solar subscriptions managed by Illinois Power Bureau.
• Lake County Government would be eligible to participate with ComEd accounts that may be limited in their ability to accommodate onsite solar.
• This resolution would endorse the community solar program organized by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and the Illinois Power Bureau which encourages and provides account management for community solar subscriptions through Lake County promotion and participation in the initiative.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lake County Regional Framework Plan encompasses several goals related to energy conservation, reducing emissions, promoting renewable energy, protecting natural resources, and implementing smart growth policies as a part of its commitment to strong environmental protection measures; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus provides a forum for the chief elected officials of the Chicago region to develop consensus and act on common public policy issues and multi-jurisdictional challenges; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus has a history of environmental stewardship, from energy efficiency, water conservation, urban forestry, and participation in the Greenest Region Compact; and
WHEREAS, to facilitate local support of new solar development in Illinois, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus created the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program to allow residents to support the development of shared solar resources in Illinois through community solar subscriptions; and
WHEREAS, the CS2 program will assist Lake County in its ongoing effort to provide itself and residents with access to sustainable energy solutions that enhance the quality of life for residents along with protection and stewardship of the environment and sustainable economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, the CS2 program has been endorsed by Lake County municipalities such as Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, and Lake Forest, as well as other local communities such as the Cities of Elgin and Evanston, and the Villages of Bannockburn, Brookfield, Glenview, Homer Glen, Lombard, Mettawa, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, River Forest, Schaumburg, Westchester, and Wilmette; and
WHEREAS, Lake County recognizes that additional solar panel installations will diversify Lake County’s power supply, provide stability during peak power needs, save residents money on their electric bills, create local jobs and local investment opportunities, reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced each year to help limit global warming, and promote Lake County as a green powered community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by this County Board of Lake County, Illinois:
Lake County endorses the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution (CS2) Program proposed by the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and will educate and inform residents regarding its availability by:
1. Assigning a Lake County representative whose prime responsibility is to review the commercial terms that the CS2 Program negotiates with community solar developers, approve outreach and marketing materials, and be available to advise on community solar program performance;
2. Allowing the use of Lake County’s logo on promotional materials that state Lake County is a supporter of this project;
3. Promoting project details through email, newsletters, website, flyers, social media, and other means as appropriate;
4. Signing up municipal energy accounts as appropriate.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on June 9, 2026.