Illinois GOP aims to keep power plants open, increase charge transparency

By Sean Reed | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – As closure of coal and natural gas powered energy plants loom, a group of GOP lawmakers have called for major shifts in Illinois’ energy policy.

They said closures would have a negative impact on state and regional power at a time when energy consumption – and costs – are on the rise.

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2021, will require fossil fuel plants to shutter between 2030 and 2045, but Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-St. Charles, said some producers are pulling the plug early.

“A massive energy plant in Elwood isn’t waiting,” Ugaste said. They’re moving their two-thirds ownership of the facility now down to Texas. They are literally putting it on flatbed trucks and moving it out of the ComEd territory.”

A larger group of Republican lawmakers want to repeal CEJA entirely, including Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton, who is spearheading the effort through House Bill 4088.

He said the goal of the state running entirely on green energy by 2045 is unrealistic and impossible.

“As lawmakers, we should be using an ‘all of the above’ approach to energy policy. Illinois can’t simply shut down coal and natural gas plants before reliable and affordable replacements are ready,” Severin said.

Rep. Christopher “C.D.” Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said apart from energy availability and costs, the plan is also going to have fiscal consequences for Illinois.

“Last summer, we saw energy prices skyrocket through the roof in Illinois due to multiple factors,” Davidsmeyer said. “When we talk about energy policy, we need to keep affordability in the front of our minds.”

He noted the power grid operates without regard for state lines, and bordering states, such as Missouri, are already benefitting from new power plants, taking away jobs and associated tax income from Illinois.

“But we’re buying that energy and the workers are Missouri workers, that are paying Missouri income tax, and we’re losing the job for our natural gas and our coal plants,” Davidsmeyer said.

Though the repeal of CEJA has not made much movement through the House, another measure on energy backed by Severin has been passed to the Senate.

House Bill 5524, if passed by the Senate, will expand transparency and provide insight into charges Illinoisans see on electric bills. It requires a state-run website be created that provides a breakdown of all charges that go to the state and utilities, including explanation of the purpose and uses of the collected charges.

“At a time when turning on the lights and heating and cooling the house is a financially treacherous activity, families across Illinois deserve transparency when it comes to their utility bills,” Severin said.

The bill was introduced in the Senate Tuesday, after unanimous support in a House vote earlier this month.