In the Fall of 2021, Governor Pritzker signed energy legislation that aims to move the state toward a cleaner energy future.
The legislation contains some provisions that will benefit Ameren Illinois customers and Downstate communities, including measures allowing Ameren Illinois to continue to make reliability investments in our electric infrastructure, construct solar facilities, and deliver clean energy to homes and businesses.
At the same time, the legislation creates a multitude of new state programs, along with costs that Ameren Illinois is mandated to include in customer energy bills. Some of these new charges are already factored into your monthly energy bill, and more will be added as provisions in the law are implemented.
Illinois’ Energy Transition Legislation (Senate Bill 2408) was signed by Governor Pritzker in September of 2021. It establishes a policy to move toward 100% clean energy sources by 2050. Key provisions:
For more information on these programs, contact the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) at 217.782.7500 or the Governor's Office at 217.782.0244.
Clean energy is not free energy, and the new State Energy Law is expected to impact the energy bills of utility customers. Renewable projects and programs must be implemented at the lowest possible cost and keep energy prices affordable.
The transition to clean energy is important, but it will not be successful if we don't continue to invest in upgrading the electric and natural gas infrastructure and maintain our base sources of affordable power. A more modern grid – with regular inspections, preventative maintenance, storm hardening, and automation – will keep energy service reliable and pave the way for more renewable energy sources.
A smart and flexible energy grid is key to attracting and retaining businesses, creating good-paying union jobs, and helping downstate communities to grow. We can help make the transition to cleaner energy by expanding the production of large-scale renewable energy, implementing policies that encourage electric vehicle adoption, and increasing energy conservation in communities of all sizes.
Clean energy developers and special stakeholders should be held to the high performance standards as utilities, with every project and every newly mandated program reviewed to ensure that customers are getting the benefits they are being asked to pay for.
We support Illinois’ transition to clean energy. And we want to make sure Downstate energy consumers aren’t left behind. We will continue to make reliability investments in our electric infrastructure, prepare the grid for the increase in renewables, and keep energy rates stable.