will-county-board

Solar Project Extensions Approved as Industry Faces Permitting Delays

Three solar energy projects received 180-day extensions from Will County’s Land Use & Development Committee Thursday as developers continue working through lengthy permitting processes with utility companies and other agencies.

The extensions cover projects in Peotone, Channahon, and Crete townships that received special use permits in 2023 but haven’t yet obtained building permits. Under county rules, special use permits expire within two years unless construction permits are issued.

A Peotone Township solar project by Turning Point Energy received its extension after experiencing delays with updated conservation plans and changing fire district requirements. Joseph Chessup, representing the developer, said soil and water conservation standards were updated last year, requiring them to restart their conservation planning process.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District also changed safety standards as recently as May 20, requiring wider access roads and higher weight capacity to accommodate 80,000-pound fire equipment.

“There’s been a few unexpected delays with getting the permits finalized for this project,” Chessup said.

Staff also provided an update on solar interconnection requirements after meeting with ComEd officials. The utility company clarified that they don’t require above-ground power connections for solar projects, contrary to claims made by some developers.

ComEd uses a five-step process taking about 180 days for interconnection agreements. While they typically install four riser poles for connections, they can accommodate underground lines for 12KV systems, though 34KV lines remain economically impractical to bury.

The committee expressed interest in requiring more underground infrastructure for future solar projects to preserve rural aesthetics. “I would like to see us have them put it underground as much as they possibly can,” said Committee member Judy Ogala.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Village of Manhattan Logo Graphic

Manhattan Swears In New Officials, Tables Fire Code Discussion

Village postpones St. Joseph's school sprinkler decision as benefactors emerge to help with costs Mayor Mike Adrieansen began his second term alongside newly elected Village Clerk Rebecca Bouck and trustees...
Village of Manhattan Logo Graphic

Manhattan Honors Departing Officials at Final Board Meeting

Beemsterboer, Adamski and Lewis recognized for combined 32 years of public service The Village of Manhattan honored three departing officials Tuesday evening, recognizing their combined 32 years of public service...
Village of Manhattan Logo Graphic

Manhattan Village Board Meeting Briefs

New Police Vehicles Approved: The village board authorized purchasing two new police interceptors for $157,362 total. A 2025 Ford F-150 will replace squad 773 for truck enforcement duties, while a...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District Approves Construction Manager for New Station, Targets May 5 Bid Opening

The Manhattan Fire Protection District selected ICI Build as its construction management company for the new fire station project and is targeting May 5 for opening construction bids. The board...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District Expands Health Programs, Considers Cancer Screening

The Manhattan Fire Protection District is expanding its employee wellness initiatives with potential cancer screening through body scans and continuing its successful injury prevention program. The Health and Safety Committee...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District May 21 Meeting Briefs

Policy Manual Nearly Complete: The district's operational procedures and policy manual is 95% complete, with attorney review and union input ongoing. The complete manual will be presented to the board...
lincoln way school district

Lincoln-Way Board Approves Up to $31.3 Million Bond Sale for Safety, Security Upgrades

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to issue up to $31.33 million in life safety bonds to fund a wide range of...
frankfort-square-park-district.2

Frankfort Square Park District Approves Budget Amid County Tax Adjustment, Funds Major Projects

The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved its operating budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during its April 17 meeting, earmarking funds for major ongoing projects and...
default

Lincoln-Way School Board Certifies Election, Re-elects Janik as President

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education officially reorganized for the upcoming year during its meeting on April 17, certifying the results of the April 1 consolidated...
lincoln way school district

New Electricity Contract to Save Lincoln-Way Over $500,000 Next Year

Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is poised for significant energy cost savings after the Board of Education unanimously approved a new 54-month electric commodity contract with Direct Energy. The agreement,...
frankfort-square-park-district.1

Four New Commissioners to Join Frankfort Square Park District Board in May

Four newly elected commissioners are set to join the Frankfort Square Park District Board in May, following the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election. Executive Director Audrey Marcquenski formally congratulated Lauren...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for April 17, 2025

The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners met on April 17 to approve its annual budget, discuss new projects, and hear departmental updates. The district approved a nearly $5...
lincoln way school district.3

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board Briefs

District Finances Stable in March ReportAssistant Superintendent Michael Duback presented the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending March 31, 2025. Revenues for the month totaled $3.1 million, while expenditures were...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Frankfort Township Board Unanimously Opposes Government Consolidation

The Frankfort Township Board on Monday took a firm stance against a perennial issue in Illinois politics, unanimously passing a resolution to formally oppose any legislative efforts to consolidate or...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Frankfort Township Upgrading Senior Apartments Amidst High Demand

Frankfort Township is moving forward with significant upgrades to its senior apartments to meet modern standards, Supervisor Nick George announced at Monday’s board meeting. The improvements come as the township...