Section 20 ILCS 1120/2 - Purpose(a) The General Assembly finds: (1) that the reliable provision of adequate amounts of energy in the forms required is of vital importance to the public welfare and to the continued operation of business and industry; and (2) that many problems relating to energy are beyond the ability of the national government to solve, or are such that action by the national government would represent a displacement of prerogatives that are properly those of the State government; and (3) that there is a need for an organized and comprehensive approach for dealing with energy matters in the State, which can be best served through the adoption of a State energy policy.(b) It is declared to be the policy of the State of Illinois: (1) To become energy self-reliant to the greatest extent possible, primarily by the utilization of the energy resources available within the borders of this State, and by the increased conservation of energy; and(2) To emphasize an approach to energy problems and solutions on a local or regional basis, and to emphasize the use of renewable energy sources wherever possible and practical to do so; and(3) To seek and promote and aid the efforts of private citizens, businesses, and industries in developing individual contributions to energy problems and difficulties that are being encountered, making use of renewable energy sources that are matched in quality to end-use needs; and(4) The development of a comprehensive master plan for energy that considers available supplies, production and conversion capabilities, levels of demand by each energy type and level of total demand, and the changes in each that are likely to occur over time is a priority that should be developed and implemented immediately.(c) The General Assembly further declares that the progress towards a comprehensive energy plan should be in accordance with the following guidelines: (1) The energy problems being faced in the State can be effectively addressed only by a government that accepts responsibility for dealing with them comprehensively, and by an informed public that understands the seriousness and is ready to make the necessary commitment.(2) Economic growth, employment, and production must be maintained.(3) Policies for the protection of the environment must be maintained.(4) The solutions sought as part of the master planning process must be equitable and fair to all regions, sectors and income groups.(5) The growth of energy demand must be prudently restrained through conservation and improved efficiency of energy usage.(6) Energy prices should generally reflect the true replacement cost of energy.(7) Both energy producers and consumers are entitled to reasonable certainty as to governmental energy policy.(8) Resources in plentiful supply must be used more widely, and the State or locality must begin the process of moderating the use of those in short supply.(9) Use of nonconventional sources of energy must be vigorously expanded.(10) The plans developed: (i) should be realistic and consistent with the basic physical limitations of energy production and utilization processes, and recognize the costs and lead times necessary for implementation of large-scale projects.(ii) must reflect both the need for early action in implementing near-term programs and the need for early planning of programs having long lead times.(iii) must allow flexible response and choice of alternatives to accommodate changing requirements as well as presenting uncertainties in future requirements.(iv) should reflect features that are unique to the State.(v) should recognize the interdisciplinary aspects of State objectives and provide positive guidance for coordination of various organizations and programs.(vi) must consider both direct energy flows and indirect energy embodied in the goods and services entering and leaving a region.(vii) should recognize and include not only long-range aspects, but must also prepare actions to manage the transition from present circumstances to a more manageable energy situation.