SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act has arrived on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk. Democrats and clean energy advocates are excited for the future with this legislation, but Republicans and manufacturers argue that the plan will hurt family budgets.
The massive energy bill calls for Illinois to build three gigawatts of utility-scale battery storage. It will also bring more wind and solar projects online, invest in geothermal technology, lift the state's nuclear moratorium and help Illinois agencies better plan for energy demand spikes.
"We'll incentivize an estimated 1.8 gigawatts for virtual powerplants, which is energy storage, demand response and other technology at homes and businesses," said Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). "This will be about 5% of our peak load."
Although Republicans and many downstate Illinoisans are concerned that this will raise energy rates even higher.
"We care about the little guy. We care about the consumer," said Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet). "It's going to be okay. We're doing this to get tough on those evil energy companies. 'Green is good, and we're going to lower your utility bills.' Well, you know what? Nobody believes you. Nobody believes you."
The Illinois Power Agency told lawmakers and reporters in October that deploying three gigawatts of battery storage could save Ameren and ComEd customers $13.4 billion over 20 years.
"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, senior vice president of advocacy for the Clean Grid Alliance.
Sponsors said Illinois would have to buy power from out of state in less than five years if lawmakers failed to pass the proposal. Yet, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association argued the measure will 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," said IMA President and CEO Mark Denzler.
Senate Bill 25 passed out of the Senate on a 37-22 vote and received a 70-36 vote in the House. Pritzker celebrated the legislation shortly after it passed out of the Senate.
"It will require utility companies to help their consumers to lower their utility bills and access energy-efficient resources," Pritzker said. "This bill will build upon the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, positioning Illinois to keep growing our clean energy economy and creating good-paying jobs in communities across the state."Â
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