Illinois Groups Set Green Power Standard

Danielle Jackson

Chicago -- A coalition of Illinois environmental and consumer groups has released a green power standard to provide consumers and electricity suppliers with information about what constitutes environmentally preferable power.

Currently, Illinois businesses and government offices can shop for green power in the competitive market. Residential customers may be able to purchase green power as early as May 2002.

According to the standard, green power in Illinois will need to met three tests -- it must be from new renewable energy sources; at least two-thirds of the mix should come from wind and solar power, with the remainder coming from sources such as landfill gas (LFG) and biopower; and the power purchase must create clear air quality benefits for the state's airshed.