In the midst of the final night of a recent legislative session, the Illinois House of Representatives passed House Bill 1700 (HB1700), a bill which modifies various clean energy and utility programs.

The bill provides amended provisions for multiple new energy facilities. Those energy facilities include new wind power facilities, utility-scale solar facilities, and battery energy storage solution facilities. The freshly passed bill allows for costs associated with the Illinois Solar for all Program to be paid through the program year, which is projected to conclude on May 31, 2028.

During floor debate on the bill, State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) said the government regulation that's done in the House, in this Senate, in this building is making it economically unfeasible for Illinois energy facilities to operate.
 
 

Halbrook told the bill's sponsor every time one of these bills come, we see trailer bills to solve problems that was created in the previous bill and no relief for the rate payer.  He asked when we will see relief for rate payers that have faced double and triple energy bills throughout last summer and will see continued increases this summer.

This bill now moves on to the Senate for further consideration and approval.

For more information or the status on senate and house bills that are currently undergoing discussions, or have passed legislation, visit www.ilga.gov.