Macon Reporter

Brad Halbrook, Illinois State Representative, has stated that it is still not clear how the electricity needs of Illinois will be fully met.

During a news conference on May 26th, Halbrook questioned the state's plans to ensure that there is low-cost energy this summer without blackouts.

"The impacts on electrical power reliability are likely to be significant. We've seen the rising cost in the rolling blackouts in some foreign countries like Germany domestically, in California, and other locations. California has actually reversed the course recently and authorized the construction of natural gas plants to expand and also extending the life of one of their nuclear power plants. If base load generation continues to close, there is not enough Renewable Power sources to backfill the hole, then Illinois and MISO territory will continue to face these challenges. What is the plan to ensure low-cost energy to make sure that there are no longer brownouts or blackouts? The process to transition to alternative energy has failed dramatically in the state of Illinois," Halbrook said Thursday during a news conference.

ComEd has been attempting to implement its energy efficiency program expansion following the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). If approved, ComEd will add approximately 30 cents to the average customer's monthly bill. “ComEd energy efficiency programs have only grown more effective in helping customers of all kinds reduce their energy bills and consumption, which also helps us reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” said Gil Quiniones, CEO of ComEd.

"CEJA is widely recognized throughout Illinois and beyond as ambitious clean energy legislation, and the ComEd energy efficiency programs that it supports will contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions," said Stacey Paradis, executive director of the Midwest Energy Efficiency Association. "In Illinois, energy efficiency is a key component to achieving climate targets while reducing household costs, decreasing emissions and improving indoor air quality and resiliency."

There are still many who do not support CEJA. Including manufacturers, businesses and other agencies. "It guts our state's clean energy goals, and it exempts large fossil fuel plans from our clean air and climate protections," JC Kibbey with Natural Resources Defense Council said. "All these would be on top of the many compromises that industrial users already received in the course of negotiating this bill."