McClure Says New Illinois Energy Law Hurts Families

Governor JB Pritzker has signed Senate Bill 25 into law, marking a major shift in Illinois energy policy that has sparked sharp debate over its impact on electric rates, reliability, and local control.

The new law removes long-standing caps on how much utilities can raise electric rates and directs billions of dollars toward new energy programs, including battery storage and virtual power plants. It also allows large battery storage facilities to be built as close as 150 feet from homes and farms, a change that critics say weakens local zoning authority and raises concerns about safety and property values.

“When the Governor signed his last big energy bill just a few years ago, he promised it would lower rates, despite our warnings that it would cause prices to skyrocket. Illinois families have since seen their electric bills climb to record highs," said McClure.

“Now the Governor is once again intentionally misleading the public and claiming this new bill will lower rates. The truth is that this new legislation will have an even worse impact on our state’s electric bills. This new law weakens local control over controversial projects, allowing battery storage facilities to be built just 150 feet from homes, it removes rate caps that protect families, and it puts the ratepayers on the hook to cover costly new projects based on unproven technologies. People in the 54th District are already struggling to pay their out-of-control electric bills, and this new law will only make it worse," McClure added.

State Rep. Mike Coffey, who voted against the bill, said the legislation benefits special interests while shifting costs to families and businesses and taking authority away from local governments.

“We should focus on preserving our energy from sources like natural gas, coal, and fossil fuels that work and utilize a strong workforce to meet our demands and keep prices affordable,” said Coffey. “This legislation does nothing to address the rising cost of energy rates for Illinois families and will actually pass billions of dollars of costs to Illinois families and businesses for unproven battery storage projects. If we continue to push these progressive energy policies, Illinoisans will continue to see higher rates, less production, and a less reliable energy supply.”

Supporters of the law argue it is necessary to modernize Illinois’ power grid and manage rising demand. Renewable energy advocates praised the measure following its signing.

“Governor Pritzker’s signing of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act comes at a critical time for Illinois, with both electricity prices and energy demand rising at historic rates in Illinois and across the country,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. “This landmark law is a model for how states can secure their energy future and lower costs for families and small businesses. A 21st-century economy requires a 21st-century grid, and solar, storage, and Virtual Power Plants are made for this moment. The solar and storage industry thanks Governor Pritzker and Illinois legislators for their leadership.”

Senate Bill 25 passed during the General Assembly’s fall veto session, despite a recent study by three state agencies warning of potential electricity shortages under current energy policies.