Senator Rose files legislation to restore energy rate caps and protect local control
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SPRINGFIELD, IL- State Senator Rose (R-Mahomet) filed a series of bills designed to lower energy costs for families and restore local control over energy projects.
In January, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 25 into law. SB 25 removed long-standing protections shielding households from unlimited utility rate increases and included an $8 billion battery storage mandate to be paid for by consumers.
“Rather than lowering costs for families, Governor Pritzker’s bill jacks up power rates once again,” Rose said. “Removing rate caps doesn’t save money, it gives utilities a green light to raise rates on hard-working families who are already stuck with higher bills.”
Rose’s legislation, SB 4003, restores consumer rate caps, ensuring families are not left vulnerable to unchecked electric bill increases. The bill also repeals SB 25’s $8 billion battery storage mandate that sticks Illinoisians with the tab.
Another bill, SB 4001, restores local control over the siting of wind, solar, and energy storage facilities, requiring approval from counties, townships, and municipalities within 1.5 miles of a proposed project before construction can proceed.
Finally, Rose’s legislation asks the Illinois Power Agency to include “least cost pricing” in its mandates to ensure the state procures the cheapest power for Illinois families.
“Families need protection from unlimited rate hikes, and they deserve a voice in what gets built in their communities,” Rose said. “This legislation restores accountability both on utility bills and at the local level.”