SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois General Assembly will have three days of session this week to figure out the best way to add energy to the grid and lower utility bills. Advocates are urging lawmakers to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, but manufacturers argue it will raise rates even higher.
The massive energy plan could bring more solar and wind projects online while investing in battery storage and geothermal energy. The Clean Grid Alliance said the bill would help save ratepayers $13-$16 billion over the next 20 years, with the Illinois Power Agency expecting consumers to save up to $20 per month.
"We really believe that this is the only bill that gives Illinois electricity customers a fighting chance to do something about sky high rates," said Jeff Danielson, SVP of Advocacy for the Clean Grid Alliance.
However, Illinois manufacturers argue the legislation will raise rates and hurt companies. The Illinois Manufacturers' Association said clean energy advocates keep promising to lower energy prices but their laws fail to do so.
"The IMA warned at the time that closing baseload generation without the ability to backfill that hole would lead to energy shortages and higher rates for Illinois families and consumers," said IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler. "That's exactly what happened."
Industry leaders have reported President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" made major cuts to wind and solar tax credits. They note the president cancelled $583 million in energy projects for the state and cut off $130 million in Solar for All funding that helps low-income families, nonprofits and schools access solar energy.
"Through July of 2025, we only performed two installations, a drop of 90% back down to where we were during COVID," said Michelle Knox, owner of Wind Solar USA in Springfield. "Our valuation has plummeted by 75%."
Sponsors said Illinois have to buy power from out of state in less than five years if lawmakers fail to act this week. They also claim Trump's budget will increase residential energy bills by an extra $400 annually.
Yet, Denzler said the energy omnibus plan could leave businesses and families with a $7 billion bill to pay for battery storage.
"Rather than bailing out battery storage developers and their hedge fund owners, the bill should utilize the Illinois Finance Authority to fund these projects at below market rates so developers assume the risk, not everyday Illinoisans," Denzler said.
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act could receive a committee vote as early as Tuesday night. Veto session is scheduled to end Thursday.
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