Manley-Supported Law to Cut Energy Costs, Increase Jobs

JOLIET, Ill. – A new climate-smart law will provide Illinoisans immediate and long-term utility bill relief by bringing down energy costs, thanks to legislation supported by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill into law at Joliet Junior College Thursday.

“This energy package is about making everyday life more affordable for Illinois families. With energy prices higher than ever, no one should have to choose between heat or groceries,” said Manley. “This law will lower energy costs by strengthening our power grid, and investing in clean energy.”

Manley voted to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, called CRGA, 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. 

“By increasing our energy options, we reduce our demand,” Manley said. “And as a result, ComEd customers will begin seeing credits back on their bills this month.”

In recent months, 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 measure will additionally create up to 115,000 jobs, counteracting job insecurity and layoffs

caused by the federal budget bill— including over 50,000 lost manufacturing jobs in Illinois.

“CRGA holds utility companies accountable and puts consumers first,” said Manley. “I’m proud to see how this legislation will keep energy affordable, spur thousands of new jobs, and ultimately, make life less costly for Illinois families.”