Landmark energy relief measure clears Senate with Cunningham support

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Bill Cunningham backed an energy relief package Thursday that is projected to save Illinois households more than $13 billion over the next two decades, marking a turning point in Illinois' pursuit of a sustainable and renewable energy future.

"Nationwide, we've seen electricity bills skyrocket this summer," said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. "Without meaningful relief, this trend will continue - leaving families and small businesses to foot the bill for a broken system."

Senate Bill 25 aims to give Illinois new tools to reduce utility rate hikes, strengthen the state's power grid, expand renewable energy sources and keep bills low for consumers. The measure contains multiple provisions to tackle rising energy costs while transitioning Illinois to a cleaner, more reliable grid.

The legislation incentivizes measures that lower electricity prices by addressing the demand for energy and increasing grid capacity through things like energy storage. Battery storage lowers costs over time - meaning consumers will be on track to save more than $13 billion over the next 20 years with the added three gigawatts of energy storage provided by Senate Bill 25.

"Taking action with energy relief will reduce rate hikes and save customers billions - proving that we don't have to choose between investing in new technologies, lowering utility bills and keeping clean energy jobs in Illinois," Cunningham said.

Senate Bill 25 passed the Senate Thursday.