Distributional Equity Analysis Case Studies in Illinois

Released in May 2024, Distributional Equity Analysis for Energy Efficiency and Other Distributed Energy Resources: A Practical Guide describes an analytical framework—referred to as distributional equity analysis (DEA)—that allows utilities, regulators, communities, and stakeholders to answer questions about the distributional equity implications of distributed energy resources (DER) investments, and to consider those implications alongside benefit-cost analysis (BCA).

Using the concepts and processes described in this guide, Synapse Energy Economics collaborated with E4TheFuture and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (the Project Team) to demonstrate and conduct two DEA case studies in Illinois on the electric utilities' energy efficiency and beneficial electrification portfolios.

To get stakeholder feedback and input to guide the DEA, the Project Team engaged a diverse work group, including members from community based organizations, Illinois Commerce Commission staff, utility representatives, low income and environmental justice advocates, the attorney general, energy program implementers, and others. Synapse played a leading role in preparing transparent and clear presentation materials for and in soliciting feedback from the work group. Synapse led research, collected data, conducted analysis, and developed recommendations regarding priority populations and equity metrics for each case study. The first case study examined expected program outcomes between priority populations and other customers for Ameren’s ChargeReady and ChargeSmart transportation electrification programs in terms of rate and bill impacts, program participation, and utility investment. The second case study assessed distributional impacts of Commonwealth Edison’s energy efficiency programs in terms of program participation, utility investment, and energy savings. The case studies, as well as findings and recommendations to guide future DEAs in Illinois and elsewhere, are documented in a report to the work group and to project funders E4TheFuture and the Joyce Foundation. You can find it here. 

Project completed July 2025.