Grundy Reporter

In response to expected energy rate hikes affecting Illinois residents, Senate Republican members of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee are urging for immediate legislative measures. Ameren Illinois projects an increase in rates from $37.62 to $45.98 per month for its customers during the summer months due to the recent MISO grid auction. ComEd customers are also facing a rise in their average monthly bills from $108 to $118.60 following the latest PJM grid auction.

Senate Republicans are calling on Democrat lawmakers to act swiftly on a legislative package designed to address Illinois' ongoing energy issues. State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), Minority Spokesperson of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, stated, “Illinois families are already struggling to keep up with rising costs across the board, and now they’re being asked to pay even more just to keep their lights and air conditioning on.”

The proposed package includes three bills aimed at stabilizing energy prices and ensuring grid reliability. Senate Bill 1234 seeks to establish the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force Act for studying state laws' impact on energy prices and grid reliability. State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) emphasized, “For the state to have reliable power sources and to avoid future rate hike increases, our state must perform a comprehensive study of its energy grid and future capacity.”

Senate Bill 1235 proposes repealing the forced closure date for coal and natural gas plants set by Governor Pritzker’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) of 2021, allowing new gas peaker plants without fear of forced closures. State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) remarked, “The demands of our state’s energy grid cannot be met through renewable energy alone.”

The final bill, Senate Bill 1236, aims at reducing bureaucratic delays at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by expediting the permitting process for new power plants. This measure is exemplified by delays experienced by Lincoln Land Energy Center in Pawnee, which began permitting in 2017 but is only expected to open in 2028.

State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) commented on this proposal: “By cutting red tape and fast-tracking energy projects, this proposal helps expand supply, lower prices, and reduce government delays.” Meanwhile, State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) added that reliable energy is essential: “Reliable, affordable energy is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.”

While pushing for these legislative actions, Senators encourage constituents concerned about future bills to visit their caucus’ FAQ page for tips on mitigating anticipated electric rate hikes.