Illinois Freedom Caucus members are the latest lawmakers calling for action amid the summer of skyrocketing electric bills.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois Freedom Caucus members are the latest lawmakers calling for action amid the summer of skyrocketing electric bills. The Eastern Illinois Republicans want to repeal clean energy laws and get coal back on the grid.

Many families and businesses are facing difficult choices this summer as they see electric bills rise 20-40% higher than average.

The Illinois Freedom Caucus said the prices customers are seeing are the result of failed policies passed by Democrats in Illinois and Washington, D.C.

"The Biden-Harris administration, as well as the Pritzker administration, have a severe case of Trump derangement syndrome, and they're trying to blame our current president for the mess they created," said Rep. Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro). 

Ryan Garrett owns The Embarras bar and restaurant in Villa Grove. Garrett said he was shocked to see his power bill was $1,000 higher than expected. Now, he is forced to decide between cutting employee hours and adjusting his service.

"It seems like it always trickles down to the little guy like us," Garrett said. "Your big companies like food suppliers and things like that are not going to take a loss. So, it all comes down to me." 

Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) said he hoped lawmakers would pass plans to help lower utility costs before the end of session. Halbrook told reporters Thursday that the General Assembly needs to develop energy policies that prioritize consumers instead of special interests.

"We as Republicans are ready to come to the table to craft a new energy policy—one that prioritizes access, capacity and affordability," Halbrook said. "We need a policy that works for seniors, schools, hospitals, homeowners and our future economy, not one written by lobbyists and left-wing think tanks."

The Illinois Environmental Council told WAND News last month that the last thing the state needs is to roll back climate and consumer protections. They argue Illinois should accelerate the state's climate progress by passing the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act this fall. 

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