Avelar Backs Bill to Reduce Energy Demands, Cut Utility Costs

​SPRINGFIELD, Ill. —Working to provide more relief to Illinoisans facing rising energy costs, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Romeoville, 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.

“Families across the state are struggling to make ends meet, and federal actions like Trump’s budget bill have done nothing but raise prices and cut jobs. We aren’t going to sit idly by while Illinoisans are forced to choose between turning their lights on and feeding their families—we’re going to offer solutions,” said Avelar.

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, Ameren and 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.

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. 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.

“The hard-working citizens that the Trump administration promised to support are the ones who are suffering. But Illinois is stepping up for our communities,” said Avelar. “This bill is crucial to support not only our residents and families but for our seniors on fixed incomes. Utilities are not, and should never, be a luxury for the working class.”