Gill Backs Legislation to Combat Rising Energy Costs and Provide Long-term Relief

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to provide more relief to Illinoisans facing rising energy costs, state Rep. Mary Gill, D-Chicago, passed comprehensive legislation Wednesday evening that seeks to bring down home energy bills both immediately and in the long term for residents, while holding large utility corporations accountable.

“Right now, the cost of living is high, and rising electric bills are of increasing concern for families in my district,” Gill said. “This needed energy proposal will provide immediate relief to households across Illinois, while also investing in and strengthening our electric grid for years to come.”

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. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (Senate Bill 25) puts Illinois on better footing to counteract rising energy prices by tapping into:
● Capturing clean energy: By capturing and redistributing energy already being produced, including from home solar panels, ComEd customers can see immediate relief on monthly costs.
● Increasing battery storage: By building out our grid to increase the state’s battery storage, power systems will become more reliable and affordable to power millions of Illinois homes.
● Investing in energy efficiency programs: Senate Bill 25 directly expands energy efficiency programs for residents, lowering electricity prices by reducing overall demand.

The measure is estimated to create up to 115,000 jobs, counteracting job insecurity and layoffs caused by the federal budget bill—including 50,000 manufacturing jobs projected to be lost in Illinois. 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.

For more information, please contact RepMaryGill@gmail.com.