SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Bill Cunningham's energy package to put Illinois on a path to reach its climate goals, meet increasing electricity demand and provide reliability for residents is one step closer to becoming law.

"This is a very important next step in energy policy in Illinois," said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. "We will not be able to meet the increasing demand for electricity in our state without a robust energy storage plan."

Energy storage is the capture of electricity produced at one time for use at a later time by storing it in a rechargeable battery.

Cunningham's energy package streamlines the state's renewable energy incentive program to get wind and solar projects on the grid faster. Additionally, the legislation ensures the state's power grid is built and maintained by an Illinois-based union workforce.

House Bill 587 passed the Illinois Senate on Monday.