Panelists debate costs of energy legislation as Illinoisans struggle to pay bills

(The Center Square) – Consumer advocates and industry representatives clashed over the costs and benefits of battery storage legislation during a virtual Illinois Senate hearing Thursday. Some argued the measure could help lower energy price spikes, while others warned it could drive up costs for customers.

The Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee reviewed energy storage provisions in a House amendment to Senate Bill 40. Committee chair Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, said lawmakers may consider the bill during the fall veto session to improve energy affordability and reliability.

United Congregations of Metro-East Executive Director Darnell Tingle told the committee that rising utility costs are forcing families into difficult choices.

“Do I pay Ameren or do I pay the rent? Do I keep the [air conditioning] running in this dangerous heat, or do I put food on the table? This is a crisis of health and safety,” Tingle said, adding that Illinois “can and should do better.”

Citizens Utility Board Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said SB 40 could accelerate large-scale battery storage projects.

“This speed-to-market attribute is really important as we are already experiencing the costs of inaction,” Moskowitz said.

But Illinois Industrial Energy Consumers Chairman Phillip Golden pointed to Energy Information Administration data showing California and New York—states with centralized battery procurement policies—had far higher energy costs.

“You will see their energy costs are, respectively, 60% and 100% higher than what Illinois paid in just June,” Golden said, adding that these policies created net payments from consumers to storage developers.

State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, said SB 40 would not provide immediate relief and could guarantee higher costs. Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, questioned why the bill lacked cost caps.

“In the past we’ve put cost caps in just to make sure utility bills don’t go up. In the bills that we have passed where there wasn’t a cost cap, the bills have gone through the roof and now we’re hearing from customers,” Rezin said.

Stadelman said a second subject matter hearing on energy issues is likely in early October.

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