Metro East Sun

Many residents in downstate Illinois have reported sharp increases in their utility bills, with some seeing their costs double or triple in recent months. Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Edwardsville) said she is hearing similar concerns from families, seniors, and small business owners.

“This didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of policies that promised more than they could deliver,” Harriss said.

She pointed to the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which aimed for Illinois to reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2050 and a carbon-free power sector by 2045. However, Harriss noted that only about 14 percent of the state’s electricity currently comes from renewables, making it unlikely to meet the law’s near-term targets.

“Many warned what would happen if the state moved too quickly to shut down reliable, affordable power sources without a realistic backup plan. Unfortunately, those warnings have proven true,” she said.

Harriss referenced new rate results from Ameren Illinois and the MISO grid operator this spring, which increased the cost to ensure power capacity from $30 to $666 per megawatt. The higher rates took effect on June 1 and resulted in significant bill increases for customers.

In response, Harriss has sponsored several bills aimed at addressing utility costs and energy reliability:

Senate Bill 1234 would create a bipartisan task force to examine how CEJA and other laws are affecting prices and grid stability.

Senate Bill 1235 seeks to roll back CEJA’s mandate to shut down coal and gas plants by 2045 and would allow new natural gas “peaker plants” to be built.

Senate Bill 1236 proposes reforms to speed up permitting at the Illinois EPA for energy projects.

“Let me be clear: This isn’t about turning away from clean energy, it’s about being honest. Wind and solar may still play a big role in Illinois’ future, but today they cannot carry the entire load. Illinois must balance investment in renewables with the reliable power sources that keep our homes, schools, and businesses running every day without breaking the bank,” Harriss stated.

She encouraged residents who support her proposals for utility bill relief to sign a petition online (https://senatorericaharriss.com/lowerutilitybill/).

Harriss was elected as a Republican state senator representing Illinois’ 56th Senate District in 2023, succeeding Kris Tharp.

“It’s time to come together, acknowledge the unintended consequences of past decisions, and make the adjustments needed to ensure our energy system is dependable and affordable,” she said.

“That’s the future I’ll keep working toward on behalf of the families, seniors, and businesses across our state.”