Illinois energy costs expected to increase as Pritzker considers bill

By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

)The Center Square) – Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch says conversations about energy policy will continue, even with a measure pending the governor’s signature.

Welch, D-Hillside, told The Center Square that the energy bill lawmakers approved in October will work to lower energy costs. The measure puts more emphasis on alternative energy like batteries and also lifts the nuclear moratorium.

But, a study released by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and others said Illinois will have energy shortages if it continues.

“I’m looking forward to the governor putting his signature on it but all of my experts around the table say ‘we’re going to be back at the table,’ and we’re going to continue to look to ways to make things better and I’m listening to those experts,” Welch said.

State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said he hopes Welch is sincere, and urged the state to repeal the closure dates of coal and natural gas power generation.

“These are not well thought out plans, they’re not well orchestrated,” Halbrook told The Center Square. “You can’t just arbitrarily set dates for closure without having a plan that will work and get us to that point.”

The energy bill approved in October is one of two bills remaining on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk. He’s indicated he will sign the measure.

Halbrook said the alarms continue to sound with a recent Citizens Utility Board report for ComEd ratepayers to expect to pay more and it’s to reverse course.

“There’s nothing been legislated that is going to make rates cheaper, even though that’s what we’ve been told, we’re not seeing it and the report tells that story,” Halbrook said.

President Donald Trump Wednesday evening told the nation that costs are coming down. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s campaign responded saying costs are going up.

Halbrook said Pritzker isn’t being honest when it comes to costs for Illinois taxpayers, and Illinois policies are to blame.

“We’ve got the highest property taxes in the nation, the gas tax is second highest in the nation, the list, you know, corporate tax is right up there,” Halbrook said.

Jim Talamonti contributed to this story.