Ness Backs Measure Seeking to Cut Energy Costs, Utility Bills

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – Working to provide more relief to Illinoisans facing rising energy costs, state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville, passed comprehensive legislation Wednesday evening that seeks to bring down home utility bills both immediately and in the long term for residents.

“Energy is not an optional luxury; it’s a necessity for the millions of families across Illinois. But now, high energy costs have forced residents to dig into savings, stretching already tight budgets as the cost of living continues to rise,” said Ness.

Many Illinois residents have seen home energy costs skyrocket. Increased power demands from new high-tech businesses and Washington’s massive tax bill threaten to raise costs even further—resulting in $9.5 billion in increased state energy costs. Ness voted to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (Senate Bill 25) to counteract rising energy prices by investing in clean energy battery storage, building out our state’s power grid to reduce overall demand, and expanding energy efficiency programs to improve support for low-income customers.

“Households statewide should never have to worry about whether or not they can keep their lights and heat on,” said Ness. “Affording your monthly utility bill is crucial for Illinoisans to thrive—this legislation seeks to make that possible.”

As utility demands increase during the fall and winter months, Senate Bill 25 will play a significant role in meeting the state’s energy needs, strengthening reliability and helping manage untenable costs for customers for both short- and long-term relief.