Board members note UCCI battery-storage model and report land-agent interest for large wind project in Edgar County

During committee reports, the Edgar County Board discussed two energy topics: a sample battery-storage ordinance provided by the University of Illinois County/City (UCCI) group and informal land‑agent outreach by a company called INF Energy exploring wind development on private acreage.

Lisa said UCCI provided a Word template for a county battery storage ordinance and a policy summary from the recent lame-duck session that included four priorities: prevailing wage adherence, safety training, diversity plans and annual area-median-income updates for Illinois Solar for All. UCCI material also directs state planning and procurement bureaus to develop processes for energy-storage procurement.

Also during committee reports, a board member reported that a land agent representing INF Energy had contacted landowners seeking up to 30,000 acres in Edgar County for a wind farm. The member said the letter indicated landowners might receive $25,000–$30,000 per turbine (reported as "per task" in the meeting) per year; county members said such contacts often prompt local questions about routing, permitting and impacts on roads.

Board members said the county will monitor vendor outreach and that planners and other parties may be invited to discuss detailed proposals at a later meeting.