On Oct. 14, lawmakers, consumer advocates and renewable energy industry members joined a broad coalition of organizations urging immediate passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act during Illinois’s fall veto session. This legislation responds to the urgent need to address skyrocketing costs of electricity for consumers and businesses.
“Simply put, we must pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act and we must pass it now. The cost of doing nothing is what Illinois ratepayers are paying, and every day we wait guarantees more consumer and business pain in the future,” said Jeff Danielson, SVP of advocacy for the Clean Grid Alliance. “If enacted, this bill would direct the state to invest in solutions that promote the stability and reliability of our grid while lowering costs for consumers.”
CRGA would provide relief to consumers across Illinois whose bills have spiked as much as 50% since last summer, and whose bills will continue to rise following the results of the 2026/2027 PJM capacity auction. If passed, CRGA would create an energy storage program, Virtual Power Plant program and other policies geared towards shoring up Illinois’ available electricity supply to meet record demand.
The legislation creates $34 billion in net savings on Illinois energy bills over 20 years, according to an analysis by The Power Bureau, and is expected to save consumers up to $20.54/month, according to the Illinois Power Agency.
“Illinois families and businesses are feeling the pain of higher costs of living and historic energy prices, and they are letting their legislators know. The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act is the only solution proposed that will lower energy prices for all Illinois ratepayers while investing in the future of the Illinois power grid,” said Lesley McCain, executive director of the Illinois Solar Energy and Storage Association.
The Illinois legislature is set to vote on the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act during the first week of the fall veto session.
News item from Solar Powers Illinois
