Energy bill passes: Opponents say it will increase Illinois electric bills by $8 billion

(The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers have passed wide-ranging energy legislation, but opponents say it will lead to higher electricity bills. Senate Bill 25, also known as The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), passed the state Senate by a vote of 37-22 Thursday night after the House advanced it Wednesday. Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, said a new line item would be added to Illinois consumers’ electric bills in 2030. “That line item will be immediately offset, because that’s the same date that the battery storage providers will start providing extra capacity, providing power to the grid,” Stadelman said.