SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Dave Severin issued the following statement following a Capitol news conference this week aimed at drawing attention to Illinois energy policies and rising affordability challenges for working families and employers. Severin says Illinois is choking off supply while demand and prices continue to skyrocket.
“I am a sponsor of legislation that would end the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, as it is part of the Green New Scam that is devastating family budgets by causing the price of electricity to soar out of control,” Severin said. “We need to eliminate arbitrarily set deadlines for the closure of Illinois natural gas and coal-fired power plants to ensure grid reliability and affordability for our citizens well into the future.”
Recently, a massive energy plant in Elwood, Illinois, announced it will be closing ahead of the deadlines set forth in CEJA and moving its plant to Texas. Energy experts have warned that Illinois faces a potential energy shortage in the next five years if policy changes aren’t made.
Severin, who serves as the House Republican ranking member and spokesperson on the House Energy & Environment Committee, said he called for hearings into the massive electricity price spikes last May, but those hearings never happened. He added that the people of Illinois deserve to know how energy policies are impacting their utility bills and called for greater transparency for consumers.
“This week, I passed HB 5524 out of the House. The bill requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to create and maintain a public website detailing various charges applied by electric utilities. The measure is designed to give consumers a clearer picture of where their money is going and how state-approved charges impact their monthly bills,” Severin said.
Under the proposal, beginning January 1, 2027, the ICC would be required to publish information on charges beyond standard delivery and supply costs, including whether those funds are remitted to the state or retained by the utility company.
“Too often, customers see line items and fees that are confusing or unclear. This legislation shines a light on those charges and ensures consumers have easy access to straightforward, accurate information,” Severin said.