SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act into law Thursday. Democrats said the law can prepare the state's energy for the future, but Republicans stress it will make life more expensive for families and manufacturers.

The massive energy legislation 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.

"When you increase the supply, you reduce the price or at the very least hold the line on prices," said Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). "That's what we're doing with this bill."

However, Republicans and many downstate Illinoisans are concerned these changes 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.

Advocates also note Illinois would have to buy power from out of state in less than five years if lawmakers failed to pass this bill.

"CRGA is really about us here in Illinois, together as a state, deploying the tools we have here at our disposal to defend the promise of clean and affordable power for Illinois," said Citizens Utility Board Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz.

Yet, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association argued the law 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.

Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Champaign) chairs the House Energy & Environment Committee and co-sponsored the legislation. Ammons said the law will allow Illinois to ease utility costs and create job opportunities while reimagining how to collect and store renewable energy.

"No one in our community should have to choose between paying their utility bill and buying groceries or paying for prescriptions," Ammons said. "This legislation eases the financial burden utility bills are putting on our families now and invests in energy production and storage to continue to lower utility bills in the future." 

Senate Bill 25 passed out of the Senate on a 37-22 vote and received a 70-36 vote in the House. The new law takes effect June 1. 

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