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This week, Ameren Illinois said their costs have increased due
to the state's switch toward renewable energy.
In 2021, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation that intends to
make Illinois a state that uses only renewable energy by 2050.
"With economic growth and jobs woven into its fabric, this new
law is the most significant step Illinois has taken in a
generation toward a reliable, renewable, affordable and clean
energy future in a generation," Pritzker said when signing the
bill.
Since then, energy prices have increased and energy companies
and lawmakers say the switch has led to it.
The Illinois Freedom Caucus, made up of various House
Republicans, held a news conference Wednesday in Springfield and
said Pritzker's policies are to blame.
"It is just another attack on the middle class and seniors on
fixed incomes," said state Rep. Chris Miller, R-Oakland.
"Electric bills have been exploding under Governor Pritzker's
radical agenda to destroy Illinois."
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, said these increases
are also hurting businesses in Illinois.
"The Kincaid food market in Kincaid, Illinois are closing their
doors for good," Wilhour said. "They are closing because of the
actions taken right here in this General Assembly on energy
policy."
Illinois households paid an average monthly electric bill of
$125 in 2022, according to Save On Energy, a total increase of
23.4% compared to 2021. Wilhour said the cost will continue to
increase unless the legislature acts.
"The Illinois New Green Deal needs to go and we need to
negotiate a policy that puts people back to work, with an all of
the above strategy using all of our God-given natural resources
that we have abundant in the state of Illinois," Wilhour said.
Miller raised concerns about switching away from more reliable
energy sources.
"Without a return to domestic coal, oil and natural gas
production, our energy bills will continue to spike," Miller
said. "We will face even more frequent blackouts and brownouts."
Pritzker's energy plan hopes to move toward 100% renewable
energy by 2050.
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April
of 2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
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