Rock Island Today

In light of expected energy rate increases for Illinois residents, Senator Neil Anderson and his Republican colleagues on the Energy and Public Utilities Committee are urging immediate legislative action. The proposed measures aim to mitigate future energy price hikes.

Ameren Illinois customers are projected to see their monthly bills rise from $37.62 to $45.98 over the summer due to a recent MISO grid auction. Similarly, ComEd customers face an increase from $108 to $118.60 per month following the latest PJM grid auction.

Senate Republicans are pressing Democrat lawmakers to act swiftly on a legislative package addressing Illinois' energy issues. State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), Minority Spokesperson of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, emphasized the urgency: “Illinois families are already struggling... we need to enact legislation right now that will provide our state with a path to stabilize our grid, lower prices, and prioritize reliability.”

The legislative package includes three bills. Senate Bill 1234 proposes creating the Illinois Regional Generation Reliability Task Force Act to examine state laws' impact on energy prices and grid reliability. State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) supports this initiative, stating, “There is no reason any lawmaker should oppose reasonable legislation to protect our energy future.”

Senate Bill 1235 seeks to repeal 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 closures. State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) commented on CEJA's effects: “The demands of our state’s energy grid cannot be met through renewable energy alone.”

The final bill in the package, Senate Bill 1236, aims to streamline processes at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for faster power plant approvals. An example cited is the Lincoln Land Energy Center in Pawnee, delayed since its permitting process began in 2017.

State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) remarked on reducing regulatory delays: “For too long, we have had potential energy for our grid delayed by unreasonable regulations.” State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) added that reliable energy is essential: “This legislative package is about smart, practical reforms that will protect consumers.”

As efforts continue for legislative solutions to address future energy costs, constituents are encouraged to visit the caucus’ FAQ page for ways they can manage expected electric rate hikes.