The Minimum Equity Standard (MES) is a compliance requirement under the Illinois Shines Program intended to help historically underserved communities participate in and benefit from the growing clean energy economy in Illinois. The MES originated as a provision in the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) of 2021 and went into effect on June 1, 2023 ahead of the 2023/ 2024 Program Year.
Background
All participants in the Illinois Shines Program must file
1) an annual MES Compliance Plan and
2) an annual MES Year- End Report
2024/ 2025 MES Compliance Plans are due by June 3, 2024. Partners joining after June 3rd will be required to complete a report during onboarding
For this Program year, participants are required to have 10% of their project workforce that identifies as an Equity Eligible Person (“EEP”) to comply
Who does this apply to?
All partners that conduct business in Illinois
Is this required?
Yes, MES compliance is required by Public Act 102-0662 and is a condition of Program participation
Any entities that do not have a 2024/ 2025 MES Compliance Plan submitted by the deadline will receive a Notice of Potential Violation (NOPV) from the Program which may lead to disciplinary action, including suspension from the program
What needs to be done?
File a 2024/ 2025 MES Compliance Plan by June 3, 2024. One report needs to be completed per company, and
Provide Palmetto with the confirmation screen/ email for verification
For additional assistance, please see the step-by-step guidance on completing the Compliance Plan attached and available for download below.
How do I determine if my company meets the MES?
Palmetto recommends the following:
Determine your “Project workforce” (ie. your total number of in-state employees)
Enter the zip code of each employee’s primary residence in the Equity Eligible Community Map. If the zip code is in an Equity Eligible community, that employee qualifies as an EEP.
Finally, divide the number of EEPs you employ by the total number of employees. If this is greater than 10% you are currently in compliance. For example, 1 EEP / 10 total employees = 10%
What if I don’t meet the MES?
If 10% of your employees are not defined as an Equity Eligible Person (EEP), then you will have to submit a Waiver Form in addition to your Compliance Report.
If applicable, the Waiver form should be completed and returned to the Program at [email protected]
Definitions
Minimum Equity Standard (“MES”): This is a new requirement for all participants in the Illinois Shines/ ABP which mandates 10% of each participant’s Project Workforce be designated as an Equity Eligible Person (“EEP”). The MES was included in CEJA which was signed into State law in September, 2021.
Project Workforce: Is defined to include employees, contractors and their employees. Job duties are directly required by or substantially related to the sale, construction, and/or operation of a project participating in the Illinois Shines/ ABP.
Equity Eligible Person (“EEP”): Is defined as an individual meeting one or more of the following criteria:
1.Graduates or current or former participants in eligible workforce programs
2.Persons who are graduates of or currently enrolled in the foster care system
3.Persons who were formerly incarcerated
4.Persons whose primary residence is in an equity eligible investment community
Resources
Equity Eligible Community Map (use to determine if employees qualify as EEP)