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

Exec Cmte 8.14.25.3

Executive Committee Considers $12,000 Strategic Planning Initiative with University of St. Francis

Article Summary: The Will County Executive Committee is considering a proposal from the University of St. Francis to lead a six-month, $12,178 strategic planning process. The initiative is aimed at...
Businesses brace for new tax challenges amid global tariff focus

Businesses brace for new tax challenges amid global tariff focus

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square U.S. businesses and their partners across the globe are looking to make sure they comply with the highest import duties in decades amid a worldwide...
Illinois takes over health insurance marketplace in 2026 amid skepticism

Illinois takes over health insurance marketplace in 2026 amid skepticism

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois will fully take over operation of its health insurance marketplace in 2026, moving away from...
WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies

WATCH: IL state reps challenge IEMA-OHS responses to local agencies

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security officials are promising to be more responsive to...
Judge expands restraining order against 'Beto' O’Rourke, adds ActBlue

Judge expands restraining order against ‘Beto’ O’Rourke, adds ActBlue

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A judge has expanded a temporary restraining order against former U.S. Rep. Robert (Beto) O’Rourke and his organization, Powered by People, as well as ActBlue...
Exec Cmte 8.14.25.2

Executive Committee Members Decry Roadside Litter, Call for Action Against Garbage Haulers

Article Summary: Will County Executive Committee members expressed frustration over what they described as a worsening problem of litter blowing from garbage trucks across the county. Members called for better...
Reversing Biden’s precedent, students complete FAFSA in minutes at beta-testing event

Reversing Biden’s precedent, students complete FAFSA in minutes at beta-testing event

By Tate MillerThe Center Square President Donald Trump’s Department of Education is working to restore the student aid FAFSA form after the Biden administration made what should be a couple-minute...
Trump, Zelenskyy to meet Monday in steps toward peace with Russia

Trump, Zelenskyy to meet Monday in steps toward peace with Russia

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Following a “successful” meeting in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Donald Trump said he is going straight for a “peace agreement” in a...
Possible 'agreement' reached in Trump-Putin meeting; more discussion likely

Possible ‘agreement’ reached in Trump-Putin meeting; more discussion likely

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square It appears an “agreement” was reached in the Friday meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and American President Donald Trump, but the nature of that...
WATCH: Gun rights supporters celebrate 9th Circuit’s ruling against CA gun rationing law

WATCH: Gun rights supporters celebrate 9th Circuit’s ruling against CA gun rationing law

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square Gun rights supporters are celebrating what they call a significant victory after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a mandate on Thursday overturning California’s...
Feds sue California over emission standards for trucks

Feds sue California over emission standards for trucks

By Jamie ParsonsThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Justice is suing California to stop what it calls “unlawful” emission standards for heavy-duty trucks. The California Air Resources Board is...
Illinois quick hits: 'Lawsuit inferno' bill takes effect after Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday

Illinois quick hits: ‘Lawsuit inferno’ bill takes effect after Pritzker signed 267 measures Friday

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square 'Lawsuit inferno' bill takes effect Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation which led the American Tort Reform Association to label Illinois...
WATCH: UW-authored study on surgery times contradicts CMS basis for reimbursement cuts

WATCH: UW-authored study on surgery times contradicts CMS basis for reimbursement cuts

By Carleen JohnsonThe Center Square New findings published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons contradict the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, claim that surgery...
State defends gun ban district court ruled unconstitutional

State defends gun ban district court ruled unconstitutional

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) − Ahead of oral arguments over Illinois’ gun ban in the federal appeals court, attorneys for the state...
Trump aiming for ceasefire, world awaiting news from Putin summit

Trump aiming for ceasefire, world awaiting news from Putin summit

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square President Donald Trump is meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska Friday in the hopes of negotiating a ceasefire or initial steps toward peace...