East Central Reporter

Energy prices are set to rise for many Illinois residents following the latest capacity auction by PJM Interconnection. The grid operator announced this week that the price reached nearly $330 per MW-day, up from $270 in the previous auction. As a result, some customers could see their bills increase by 1.5% to 5% over the next year.

Governor J.B. Pritzker attributed the higher costs to PJM’s actions. “It’s the fact that PJM isn’t bringing on the generation that it should in the territory,” Pritzker said at a news conference in Chicago. “I am deeply concerned about why that is because it seems to me it should have happened already. They are pleading to do it, but haven’t done it yet.”

Ahead of last week’s auction, PJM stated that supply is decreasing due mainly to state and federal decarbonization policies as well as economic factors. In a statement provided to The Center Square, PJM said, “The fact is that PJM has been processing hundreds of these projects through our study processes and will continue to do so. These resources are welcome additions to the grid but are currently having their own challenges in constructing like supply chain, state permitting and financing.”

Pritzker also criticized former President Donald Trump for moving away from subsidies for renewable energy projects such as wind and solar.

State Representative Chris Miller offered his perspective on rising electric bills: “Electric bills in have become a mortgage payment for many families because of Pritzker! He has no one to blame but himself for signing CEJA into law. We need energy reforms now before rates increase even more under progressive Dems. The people of Illinois don’t want a AAA battery to power their home!”

Chris Miller was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 101st House District in 2023, succeeding Reggie Phillips.

Ryan Garrett, who owns a bar and restaurant in Villa Grove, reported an electric bill of $3,000 last month and questioned how many burgers he would need to sell just to cover his utility costs—highlighting concerns among business owners about increased financial pressure from energy policies.