Grundy Reporter

In light of recent increases in electricity rates across Illinois, new legislation has been introduced by Senate Republicans to help families facing higher utility bills.

Senate Bill 2687, called the Home Utility Relief Act, would create a Home Utility Rebate Program under the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The program is designed to offer rebates to households earning between 100% and 500% of the federal poverty guidelines. This group often does not qualify for existing low-income assistance but still faces challenges due to rising energy costs.

The bill sets up a $500 million Home Utility Rebate Relief Fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Any funds left after providing household rebates may be available for some first-time small business owners.

State Senator Sue Rezin commented on the issue: "Families across the state are already struggling to keep up with the higher costs of living and are now being hit with soaring electricity bills." She added, "working and middle-class families often find themselves with no access to programs to help offset spiraling energy prices."

Rezin has served as a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate since her election in 2010, representing the state's 38th Senate District (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sue_Rezin).