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Why Illinois Just Handed Australian Solar Companies a $7 Billion Gift
AI data centres have pushed the grid past its limits. Power prices jumped 11% in June, with another hike already locked in. And before you think “that’s America’s problem” — stay with me.
THE SOLAR AI
G'day,
This might be the most important energy email you read all year.
On Monday night, something happened that should make every Australian solar installer, energy consultant, and retailer sit up straight.
Illinois — America’s sixth-largest state — quietly admitted they’re running out of electricity.
Not in 2040.
Not “if demand spikes.”
Right now.
Because what happened in Chicago this week is about to become Australia’s biggest solar opportunity.
Feature Story
PATTERN YOU NEED TO SEE
Two weeks back the Illinois Governor drops report saying they can't keep the lights on. AI data centers are maxing out the grid. ComEd bills jumped 11% in June, another 2% increase coming.
Tuesday, December 17, 2025 (yesterday): CSIRO drops their GenCost report. Electricity generation with 82% renewables would be one-third cheaper than current costs. Solar and wind remain Australia's cheapest energy source.
Also Tuesday: Federal government confirms AI companies may be forced to invest in renewable energy to power their data centers. Data center energy use could hit 12% of Australia's grid by 2050, up from 2% today.
Today, You're reading this, and I'm about to show you why the next 18 months will make or break solar businesses in Australia.
See the pattern?
The Spotlight
🔥THE REAL REASON YOU’RE LOSING LEADS
Earlier this month, the Albanese Government backed a $7B AI infrastructure investment tied to NEXTDC’s S7 data centre in Western Sydney.
Most installers thought:
“Nice win for NEXTDC.”
What they should have thought:
“That’s $7 billion worth of future solar, battery, and grid-support demand.”
Because buried in the announcement was this line:
“Key co-requisites for data centre investment will include additional renewable generation.”
Translation: Every new data centre triggers mandatory solar, storage, and energy projects.
So why are installers still losing leads?
Because demand isn’t the problem anymore.
Response speed is.
The companies winning right now aren’t cheaper. They’re faster. They answer first. They follow up relentlessly — without burning out their sales teams.
“(Yes, this matters more than panel brand in 2025.)"
The Essentials
WHAT’S ACTUALLY WORKING RIGHT NOW
VPPS ARE THE NEW “SOLAR GOLD” NSW just expanded the Virtual Power Plant incentive (up to $1,500). Homeowners aren't just saving; they're earning $400-$800/year by letting the grid tap their battery. | AI TO POWER FUTURE OF SOLAR Researchers at the University of New England (UNE) have developed a cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform that will prevent solar panels and other e-waste from ending up in landfill, paving the way for the NSW Government’s newly announced solar recycling plan. |
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🎙️ NEW: THE WATT'S NEXT PODCAST (JOIN THE WAITLIST)
🎙️ The Big Reveal: "The Watt’s Next" (And I want you in it) I’m tired of energy podcasts that sound like a board meeting. So, I’m building something different.
In early 2026, we’re launching The Watt’s Next: Conversations at the Intersection of Energy, AI & Sustainability. This isn't just a show I'm recording; it’s a community I’m building with you.
I don't just want listeners. I want participants.
The Alpha: First 500 people get the "Solar AI Strategy Pack"—a breakdown of how we're using AI Voice to 2x conversion rates right now.
Early Access: Hear the raw, unedited takes before they hit Spotify.
[👉 Click here to join the Guest Waitlist] (It takes 30 seconds. I promise.)
We’re capping this group at 500 because I want real conversation, not just a crowd. If you're building the future of the Australian grid, I’ll see you on the inside.
🚀 THINGS TO PLAN DURING THE HOLIDAY BREAK
Option 1: Keep doing what you're doing
Send "thanks for your inquiry" emails. Play phone tag. Watch competitors book your leads.
Option 2: See what's possible
Book a 15-minute demo of how voice + SMS + email AI works for solar companies specifically. No pitch. Just show you what the fast responders at All Energy are using.
Option 3: Challenge us
Reply to this email with your biggest sales bottleneck. We'll send you a custom AI solution architecture—completely free. Zero strings attached. (Seriously. We want to prove this works.)
👉 BOOK YOUR FREE ASSESSMENT TODAY
