Illinois residents could soon see higher electricity bills, with Ameren and ComEd customers both facing rate increases this summer. Ameren bills are expected to jump nearly $9 to about $46 a month, while ComEd bills could rise by more than $10 to $118.60 monthly. In response, Senate Republicans on the Energy and Public Utilities Committee have introduced a package of bills aimed at stabilizing rates and improving grid reliability. Proposals range from repealing planned coal and gas plant closures to streamlining power plant permits. Lawmakers argue immediate reforms are needed to keep energy affordable and reliable for Illinois families.
“Illinois families are already struggling to keep up with rising costs across the board, and now they’re being asked to pay even more just to keep their lights and air conditioning on,” said State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), who is the Minority Spokesperson of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee. “We need to stop pretending these rate hikes are just a coincidence. The policies coming out of Springfield are directly driving up energy prices, and we need to enact legislation right now that will provide our state with a path to stabilize our grid, lower prices, and prioritize reliability.”
“For the state to have reliable power sources and to avoid future rate hike increases, our state must perform a comprehensive study of its energy grid and future capacity,” said State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon). “There is no reason any lawmaker should oppose reasonable legislation to protect our energy future.”
“By cutting red tape and fast-tracking energy projects, this proposal helps expand supply, lower prices, and reduce government delays,” said State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia). “For too long, we have had potential energy for our grid delayed by unreasonable regulations that have harmed our energy production, and the people of our state have paid the price.”
“Reliable, affordable energy is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris). “Illinois needs to take immediate steps to strengthen grid stability and prevent further price spikes. This legislative package is about smart, practical reforms that will protect consumers, support energy growth, and ensure our energy policies reflect the real-world needs of families and businesses.”
While the Senators continue to push for legislative action to assist with future energy bills, they encourage concerned constituents to visit the caucus’s FAQ page to learn ways they can help offset some of the expected electric rate hikes.
