Ortíz Measure to Lower Energy Costs, Invest in Renewable, Sustainable Resources Signed into Law

JOLIET, Ill. – A transformative reform package supported by state Rep. Aarón Ortíz, D- Chicago, to lower energy bills, capture surplus clean energy and expand eligibility for home energy relief was signed into law yesterday.

“Our 21st century economy continues to build and attract talent from our Southwest Side communities, but the cost of these burgeoning industries is a taxed energy grid and higher costs for consumers," Ortíz said. "Home energy costs are higher than they have ever been, but this reforms package will go far in delivering real immediate and long-term relief for families. Sustainable, renewable energy is the future of our state and economy, and our legislative priorities are reflecting that.”

The Ortíz-backed Senate Bill 25 puts Illinois on a better footing to counteract rising costs by:

• 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, and improves equity in programs by allocating a minimum amount of funds to support low-income customers.

Additionally, the measure will create up to 115,000 jobs, counteracting job insecurity and layoffs
caused by federal cuts.

“The naysayers continue to claim that we can't make the transition to green energy, keep jobs in Illinois and make our state more affordable, but they continue to be wrong,” Ortíz said. “This legislation furthers all of those goals and illustrates that our clean energy future is shared, affordable and here to stay.”