East Central Reporter

State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) is urging Democratic leaders to hold a joint hearing of the House Energy and Environment Committee and the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committees. The aim is to address the increasing electricity costs impacting residents in Illinois.

"Since the inception of the Climate Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021, I have been sounding the alarm on the harmful impacts this legislation would cause," said Rep. Halbrook. "My biggest concerns were the lack of energy that would be available and how those costs would affect Illinoisans. Here we are four years later, and just as I predicted we have capacity shortages and are seeing intense spikes in electric bills – an 18%-22% increase from last year. I am once again calling on the House and Senate Energy Committees, and on Democratic Leaders, to take the steps necessary to provide some relief for Illinoisans."

In May, Republican members of the House Energy and Environment Committee sent a letter requesting a joint hearing before summer's heat intensified. While there was potential for a mid-June meeting, no hearing has been scheduled yet.

"This is only going to get worse," continued Halbrook. "This week alone, almost all of the state of Illinois is under a heat advisory. These 90-100 degree days will cause significant rises in utility bills next month. Our constituents cannot afford this on top of all the other ludicrous taxes and fees they are required to pay here in Illinois. We MUST make changes. There is no time to waste. Our constituents deserve relief, and the Democrat leadership is running from the problem. We want to find a solution."

Rep. Halbrook also supports HB 4088 as Chief Co-Sponsor, which aims to repeal CEJA along with its 2045 deadline for ending carbon-emitting fossil fuels.

Energy companies have started financial relief pilot programs for eligible customers but utility bills remain high due to decreased surplus capacity since CEJA's enactment.

For details about Ameren Illinois' financial relief program visit Ameren.com or contact RepHalbrook.com or call (217) 342-0220.