SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Power Agency says deploying three gigawatts of battery storage technology could save Ameren and ComEd customers $13.4 billion over 20 years.
That is one of the main components Democrats hope to see approved under the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act. The legislation would also bring more solar and wind projects online while investing in geothermal technology and empowering state agencies to better plan for energy demand spikes.
Sponsors and advocates told reporters Tuesday this plan could reduce costs and create thousands of good-paying union jobs while strengthening energy efficiency programs. The measure would also establish a virtual power plant program to pool energy from household solar panels paired with battery storage.
"The charge for that will not appear on anyone's bill until 2030 or 2031," said Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). "At the same time that happens, they will be putting dispatchable storage on the grid, which will have the effect of providing more supply to the grid. That will naturally bring down prices."
Yet, Illinois manufacturers and Republican lawmakers argue the plan will raise rates and hurt companies. They claim the energy omnibus bill could leave businesses and families with a $7 billion bill to pay for battery storage.
Illinois Manufacturers' Association President and CEO Mark Denzler told reporters a small food processor using 1,400 kilowatts of energy will see a monthly rate increase of $1,466 in the first year, which could grow to an increase of $12,084 in 2045.
"Illinois manufacturers already pay some of the highest electricity rates in the Midwest," Denzler said. "Increasing the costs of energy will put our manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage compared to neighboring states and make it far more difficult to attract new investment to the Land of Lincoln."
Sponsors and advocates said Illinois could see household energy costs increase by $400 per year without state-level action. They also note business utility bills could rise by 21% if lawmakers fail to pass CRGA.
"As lawmakers, the General Assembly has a duty to guarantee our state has access to plentiful, affordable, and clean energy," said Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). "I am proud to stand behind the CRGA Act as a solution that delivers all of the above and sets our state up for future economic success."
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