An IRP is a long-term planning tool that provides a roadmap for meeting future electricity needs while balancing reliability, affordability and sustainability. The process will consider CWLP’s existing generation and operations, projected electricity demand, fuel prices, reliability requirements, regulatory and environmental requirements, emerging technologies and community priorities.
“This Integrated Resource Plan will give our City and CWLP a comprehensive look at the options available to meet growing energy needs while maintaining the reliability, affordability and service our residents and businesses depend on,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. Just as important, the process will give our community an opportunity to have a voice in these important decisions.”
“Our responsibility is to plan ahead and make sure we understand the options available to meet Springfield’s future energy needs while maintaining reliability and low costs for CWLP customers,” said Scott Rogers, CWLP Chief Utility Engineer. “The IRP will give us updated, independent analysis of the costs, benefits and risks of our existing Dallman Unit 4 with our purchased power agreements, as well as new resource options. Like our last IRP, our customers and community will have opportunities to participate in the public input that goes into the IRP and also learn the latest on the energy landscape.”
Since The Last IRP
CWLP’s last IRP was completed in January 2020. The study evaluated CWLP’s existing resources along with options including wind, solar, natural gas generation, energy and capacity market purchases, demand-side management and energy storage.
Since then, significant changes have occurred in the electric industry and in CWLP’s resource portfolio. Older coal-fired units, Dallman Units 31, 32 and 33 were retired and transmission upgrades were made to upgrade the utility’s ability to import power.
In 2025, the City Council approved two long-term solar power purchase agreements. Together, the projects represent approximately 12% of CWLP’s current customer load.
CWLP has an agreement to purchase 25 MW of energy and capacity from Sangamon Solar for its project located south of Chatham, which in total is a new 100 MW, 750-acre solar installation. Construction began in August 2026, with operation planned for late 2027. CWLP will also purchase 20 MW of energy and all of the capacity from Lincoln Capital Land for its project near Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, which is in total a 125 MW solar installation. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with operation planned for the end of 2028.
These renewable resources add diversity to CWLP’s portfolio and help reduce exposure to higher prices that can occur in regional capacity auctions and energy markets.
What Will The IRP Study?
The Clean Reliable Grid Act (CRGA) requires the IRP to include a five-year action plan for meeting forecasted electric load while reasonably minimizing customer costs, considering load growth, fuel prices and regulatory uncertainty. It also must address reliability consistent with regional transmission organization obligations and state and federal environmental laws, along with a broader 20-year outlook.
CWLP’s IRP will evaluate a range of potential resource strategies rather than assume a particular outcome. The process will examine:
• Future electricity demand and load growth
• Fuel price forecasts
• Reliability requirements
• Costs and financial considerations
• Regulatory and environmental requirements
• Existing and potential energy resources
• Emerging technologies
• Community priorities and input
These factors will be incorporated into models used to evaluate different scenarios, including the strengths, drawbacks, costs and risks associated with various options. The results will be used to guide actions for the next 5 years before a new IRP begins with new analysis in another 5 years, 2032.
Public Input Will Be Part of the Process
CWLP is committed to public input and wide-ranging community engagement throughout the IRP process. A key component of the RFP is the requirement for the selected consultant to partner with CWLP in developing a comprehensive community engagement strategy for the IRP. CWLP and its consultant will conduct multiple public meetings and presentations throughout the process. The consultant will also develop strategies to engage community stakeholders and manage public comments. All comments received will be addressed and recorded.
The public will have multiple opportunities and channels to provide input on the process and assumptions before the study is conducted, as well as review and comment on the preliminary plan before the IRP is finalized.
Next Steps
CWLP issued an RFP for an IRP consultant and is currently reviewing all submitted proposals. A consultant is expected to be selected in the coming weeks, after which CWLP will finalize the study scope and schedule.
The IRP will not be finalized until after public meetings, public comment and review of the draft plan. The completed IRP will provide City leaders and the community with an updated analysis of the available options, a five-year action plan, and a longer-term 20-year outlook.
The IRP is expected to serve as an important roadmap for CWLP as it plans for a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future.
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