IL legislators weigh energy policy some say will increase costs

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois’ energy landscape continues to evolve as the state works to usher in industries that draw a lot of power.

In the southside of Chicago Tuesday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and others broke ground on the PsiQuantum facility at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park.

“Quantum has the potential to help solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges in national security, artificial intelligence, pharmaceuticals, energy, finance, and beyond,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker’s office touts $700 million of taxpayer investment in the park and in supporting other quantum projects, a move the office said “cemented Illinois’ leadership nationally, attracted federal research dollars and laid the foundation” for Tuesday’s groundbreaking.

Quantum, along with AI, data centers and electric vehicles are expected to create more demand for Illinois energy at a time of increased energy demand and costs.

During a more than four hour virtual hearing Thursday, the Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee heard an amendment to a sweeping energy bill that focuses on renewables. State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, said wind, solar and battery storage isn’t going to cut it.

“The reality of what we’re facing in the future, with the need to put power on quickly and the cheapest way, is not going to fit within what you’re telling us,” Rezin said.

Rezin warned the sweeping measures in the latest amendment to Senate Bill 25 will only increase consumer costs.

“The caps are off, which allows you to build everything out, the wind and the solar and the battery, which is expensive. So the rates are going to go up,” Rezin said.

Rates have already gone up. According to the Citizens Utility Board, ComEd’s new electricity price has fallen a bit since the summer, but it is still about 47% higher than it was last October. While Ameren’s price dropped more than 30%, CUB urged all utility customers to review their bills.

Illinois Farm Bureau’s Bill Bodine said they oppose the proposed amendment for reasons including lack of local control for siting battery storage facilities.

“There’s a few, beneficial changes we think are included in the bill, but unfortunately, it creates too many concerns, and we do have to oppose it,” he said.

Legislators return to Springfield for fall veto session beginning Oct. 14.