ROCKFORD — State Senator Steve Stadelman led a major energy relief package that passed the Senate last week, aiming to save Illinoisans over $13 billion on electricity costs over the next two decades.

“Across the country, energy prices have spiked and it’s impacting people’s ability to maintain access to essential utilities,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “This measure provides Illinois with new provisions to protect utility consumers by pushing back against the federal administration’s energy cuts and giving the state the flexibility to address market changes.”

Senate Bill 25 would give Illinois new tools to reduce utility rate hikes, strengthen the state’s power grid, expand renewable energy sources and keep bills low for consumers. The measure contains multiple provisions to tackle rising energy costs while transitioning Illinois to a cleaner, more reliable grid.

Stadelman’s new measure incentivizes measures that lower electricity prices by addressing the demand for energy and increasing grid capacity through things like energy storage. Battery storage lowers costs over time – meaning consumers will be on track to save more than $13 billion over the next 20 years with the added three gigawatts of energy storage provided by Senate Bill 25.

“These landmark provisions would bring Illinois families the relief they need, and the peace of mind that they will not lose access to vital services during their time of need,” said Stadelman.

Senate Bill 25 passed the Senate last week and was sent to the governor for further consideration.