SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Democratic lawmakers passed a bill last week to address technical issues found in the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act.

Sponsors said they needed a trailer bill to help implement the massive changes for the development of wind, solar and battery storage facilities.

The Illinois Environmental Council told lawmakers this plan could protect ratepayers from rising utility bills and offer families more tools to lower their bills.

Yet, Republicans said this bill does nothing to help consumers this summer.

"I don't care one whit about a trailer bill that doesn't lower my bill," said Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet). "The people that I represent don't care one whit about a trailer bill that doesn't lower their bills. By the way, that's the per kilowatt price. That doesn't even address all the fees that sit on your bill."

Republicans argue central and southern Illinois families, farmers and businesses need energy policy that is reliable, affordable and rooted in reality. 

"We task the Illinois Commerce Commission with these types of decisions," said Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). "They have additional information to give them flexibility to make sure we have our capacity met with increasing demand. Hopefully that will be reflected in the decisions by the ICC in the months ahead." 

House Bill 1700 passed out of the Senate on a 36-20 vote. The measure received a 75-39 vote in the House. It now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for final review. 

Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.