How Illinois CEJA Legislation Made Battery Storage Leases Possible

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), signed into law in 2021, is the most significant clean energy legislation in Illinois history. Among its many provisions, CEJA created the economic conditions that make battery energy storage projects viable across the state — and created a new income opportunity for Illinois landowners.

What CEJA does for battery storage

CEJA established Illinois's commitment to 100% clean energy by 2050 and created specific incentive programs for energy storage. Key provisions include:

• Energy storage procurement targets that require utilities to add battery capacity to the grid
• Renewable portfolio standard updates that value storage alongside solar and wind
• Interconnection reforms that make it easier for storage projects to connect to the ComEd grid
• Community benefit provisions that encourage projects in agricultural areas

Why this matters for landowners

Before CEJA, battery storage projects in Illinois were economically marginal. The legislation created enough market certainty and incentive structure that major energy developers — companies with hundreds of active projects nationwide — are now actively seeking sites in the ComEd territory.

This means landowners in eligible counties have a time-limited opportunity. As substation capacity fills up and interconnection queues grow, the best sites will be leased first. Properties closest to substations with available capacity are the most valuable.

The ComEd connection

CEJA's provisions work within the existing utility framework. In northern Illinois, that means ComEd (Commonwealth Edison), which operates the transmission and distribution grid. Battery storage projects connect to the ComEd grid at substations and feeders throughout the service territory.

Not all locations are equal. The value of a site depends on the capacity available at nearby substations, the existing generation queue, and the condition of local distribution infrastructure. This is why a professional site evaluation is essential.

What to do next

If you own land in the ComEd service territory — particularly in Bureau, DeKalb, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, or Whiteside County — your property may qualify for a battery storage lease.

Check if your property qualifies or estimate your potential earnings.