Mason-Supported Legislation to Address Rising Energy Costs Signed Into Law

GURNEE, Ill. — State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, contributed to a significant law signed on Thursday that will provide Illinoisans immediate and long-term utility bill relief by bringing down energy costs.

“So many families are already struggling to make ends meet. Plugging in your phone should never be what pushes you into debt,” said Mason. “I’m proud of my own work on this bill, as well as the work of my colleagues, whose tireless efforts resulted in the passing of legislation that benefits my community and communities across Illinois.”

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, a provision led by Mason in Senate Bill 25 adds geothermal energy as a power source option for residents, businesses, and public buildings, as energy bills are skyrocketing statewide. The provision, formally tied to House Bill 3399, seeks to make geothermal energy more accessible by working with the Geothermal Homes and Businesses Program under the Illinois Power Agency to set pricing, identify residential vendors and explore renewable energy pricing for Illinois households.

“Geothermal energy is one of the many ways we are trying to lighten this financial burden, especially as we settle into these cold months when people need heat and light,” said Mason.

The measure will also 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. 

Senate Bill 25 was signed earlier today.