Mussman-Backed Legislation to Address Rising Energy Costs Passes House Signed Into Law

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — A new law signed on Thursday will provide Illinoisans immediate and long-term utility bill relief by bringing down energy costs, thanks to legislation supported by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg. 

“The rise in energy costs we have seen over the past year is unprecedented,” said Mussman. “Families are being forced to make sudden and difficult financial decisions, just to be able to pay their utility bills. The signing of this bill means immediate relief for customers, and the steps made toward the use of renewable energy resources mean continued relief long term.”

Over the last year, many Illinois residents have grappled with untenable utility bill costs. Senate Bill 25, The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, 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.

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

“By addressing rising energy costs, we take another step toward a more affordable, and more sustainable, way of life for Illinoisans. I look forward to continuing that work in the upcoming legislative session,” Mussman said.

Senate Bill 25 was signed earlier today.