State Rep. Mike Coffey Says Illinois Must Act to Lower Energy Prices
Springfield, IL…Energy rate increases have stunned families and businesses across the state of Illinois. Growing demand and less supply has forced electric grid operators, like PJM and MISO, to increase their capacity auction prices. State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) says Illinois will continue to see more increases in the future if the state does not act on new energy policies that keep rates affordable, ensure reliability, and grid stability secure.
“I support clean energy, but current policies have driven costs up for residents and businesses in Illinois, and the majority party must take action to adopt policies that keep energy rates affordable,” Coffey said. “The main reason we are seeing electric bills skyrocket is because of mandates that have been put in place to subsidize wind and solar energy projects while shutting down coal-fired and gas power plants and failing to repeal the moratorium on nuclear construction.”
A report issued by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA), Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, and the Illinois Pipe Trades Association (IPTA) sent a clear warning about government-mandated policies for full electrification in Illinois. The business and labor groups forecast $1 trillion in costs by 2050 if the state pursues full electrification, threatening energy reliability and economic downfall.
“Illinois needs an all-of-the-above approach with energy that embraces traditional, renewable and nuclear energy sources. Forcing Illinois residents and manufacturers into an all-electric future would be extremely costly for businesses and consumers alike, with many already facing huge spikes in energy prices this summer,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.
“There is a smarter path forward in Illinois to produce cheap and efficient energy, but we have to look at the reality of our current situation and the red flags that point to higher demand and less production,” Coffey continued to say. “When you look at the big picture, Illinois does not have the power to supply AI data centers, residential homes, and businesses. The economic reality of mandating electrification in Illinois is sinking in, and it’s created a financial burden on everyone in our state.”
For more information contact Rep. Coffey’s office at 217-782-0053 or [email protected].
Representative Mike Coffey serves the constituents of Illinois’ 95th House District that includes parts of Sangamon County, including portions of the City of Springfield and Villages of Chatham and Rochester as well as parts of Macon and Christian Counties.
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