The Grid 101
Who manages the grid in Chicagoland? How do all the pieces come together?
At its most basic, the grid is the connection between the power plants that produce electricity and the places that use it, like factories, local businesses, and where you live! Power plants produce electricity, and transmission and distribution lines carry that electricity to consumers. Specialists like electricians, HVAC technicians and others make sure that the lights, air conditioning, and other things in your home that require electricity are working properly. It takes a lot of work to keep this system operating, and even more work to make the grid operate cleaner by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Want to learn more? See linked above for an explainer on the grid from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Illinois Resources - Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)
As part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), Illinois established the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program. "Through the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, thirteen Workforce Hubs across Illinois will offer training, certification preparation, and skill development for entry-level jobs in clean energy-related industries." There are 13 hubs across Illinois, including: Chicago (South Side), Chicago (Southwest & West Sides), Waukegan, Rockford, Aurora, Joliet, Peoria, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, Carbondale, East St. Louis, and Alton. The program is run by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
See the locations of Workforce Hubs below:
Credit: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity