Macon Reporter

Regan Deering, a Republican candidate for the 88th House District in Illinois, recently used the state's severe cold to highlight the escalating energy bills impacting downstate Ameren customers. Deering conveyed her message with a touch of humor.

“It is snowing outside, and the temperatures are dropping. I’m starting to think my heater is running for office -- it’s certainly spending like a Chicago Democrat!” Deering said on Facebook.

“With temperatures plummeting into the teens tonight, rising energy bills are adding an extra shiver. That is in part because our failed Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. So here’s my promise: as your next state representative, I will work to repeal CEJA and lower energy costs.”

“Stay safe and warm out there.”

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act has come under fire for its role in rising energy costs for Ameren customers. Bills reportedly doubled in early 2022 due to concerns about blackouts and are projected to spike even further in 2023. The issue of escalating energy costs has sparked controversy, with grid operators attributing the problem to factors such as coal plant retirements, policy changes like Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and advocating fossil fuels as a reliability solution.

Meghan Hassett, Midwest Campaign Manager for the Center for Policy Advocacy, shared insights in a blog for the Natural Resources Defense Council, shedding light on the complex dynamics contributing to the energy challenges faced by Illinois residents.

“Some grid operators blamed coal plant retirements, pointed to state policy changes like Illinois’ nation-leading Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and promoted fossil fuels as a reliability solution,” Hassett posted in a blog for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Deering, who previously ran for Congress and currently serves on the Mount Zion school board, announced her candidacy for the Illinois statehouse in June according to Macon Reporter. 

She hopes to succeed state Rep. Dan Caulkins who has decided not to seek re-election. The 88th House District that Deering seeks to represent encompasses McLean, Macon, Piatt, and DeWitt counties as per Ballotpedia.