SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Right now, Illinois produces enough electricity to power its cities and even export some power out of state. However, with new technology such as AI, the state is predicted to receive higher electricity bills by 2030 if action isn't taken.
"Because of the demand, because of data centers, because of quantum, because of new industrial development we have to look forward," Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) said. "We're good right now we're going to be good next year, but where are we going to be in 2030?"
The bill filed by Cunningham would add new batteries to the grid. The batteries would store excess power from solar and wind energy when the sun is down and the wind is slow.
According to Solar Powers Illinois, the plan could save Illinoisans up to $2.4 billion over the course of 20 years.
Both Cunningham and Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) said that the future is in renewable energy sources. Evans called out Texas' use of natural gas to power the state.
Illinois relies on natural gas, with roughly 15% of the state's energy coming from the fossil fuel in 2023 according to Clean Energy Illinois. Evans believes it's time to phase out the state's reliance on natural gas.
"We're pushing towards a variety of clean energy sources we don't want to be reliant on any one source," Evans said. "We need to be prepared for the future."
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