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The Crete Village Board voted 5-1 to approve the annexation of approximately 200 acres for a 2,400-acre solar farm to be developed by Earthrise Energy. The project will use existing infrastructure to connect to the power grid, providing energy to about 50,000 households in Illinois.

Construction is expected to start in the Plum Valley area later this year, aiming for grid connection by 2028. The total annexation will increase the village's size by 15%. The project is projected to generate $2.3 million in its first year, benefitting local taxing bodies, including $1.2 million to Crete-Monee School District 201-U. Despite community concerns, the project also promises temporary construction jobs and permanent positions.