SPRINGFIELD, IL- State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) is raising concerns following the passage of the controversial “Energy Omnibus Bill” that he says will increase costs and reduce protections for Illinois families.
“Families are already struggling to keep up, and instead of offering relief, this makes things worse,” said Senator Balkema. “It wipes out the protections that keep energy affordable and gives unelected bureaucrats the power to raise rates with no limits or accountability.
This legislation removes current limits on how much utilities can raise electric rates, handing decision-making power to the Illinois Commerce Commission. With this legislation, there is an estimated $8 billion utility fee increase.
“Our power bills are going to go way up. Once those caps are gone, there’s nothing stopping bills from going through the roof,” Senator Balkema continued, “Families will pay more, local control will be stripped away, and reliability will suffer. Illinoisans deserve a break, not another bill that makes life more expensive. Affordability must come first.”
Senator Balkema is urging lawmakers to start prioritizing policies that protect consumers, preserve local control, and maintain reliable, affordable energy for working families across Illinois.
SB 25 was passed by the General Assembly on October 30th.
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