SB25 is a dangerous move to gamble on unproven technology to shape the future of energy in Illinois and is expected to raise rates by $8 billion. Despite a new study by three state agencies sounding the alarm about electricity shortages in the near future with current policies, the legislation still became law on January 8, 2026.
This legislation does nothing to address the rising cost of energy rates for Illinois families and will actually pass billions of dollars of costs to Illinois families and businesses for unproven battery storage projects. If we continue to push these progressive energy policies, Illinoisans will continue to see higher rates, less production, and a less reliable energy supply.
We should focus on preserving our energy from sources like natural gas, coal, and fossil fuels that work and utilize a strong workforce to meet our demands and keep prices affordable.
It’s imperative that Democrat lawmakers roll-up their sleeves, take these warnings seriously, and come up with solutions that will protect our state’s energy and keep rates affordable for Illinois families and businesses.
I support energy legislation that will reduce rates and keep Illinois’ energy reliable:
HB 4050: Amends the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) to expand energy production.
HB 5898: Extends deadlines by 10 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide equivalent and copollutant emissions by certain electric generating units and large greenhouse gas-emitting units.
HB 5899: Extends deadlines by 5 years for reduced or zero carbon dioxide equivalent for electric generating units and large greenhouse gas-emitting units that use coal as a fuel.
State Rep. Mike Coffey Responds to Growing Concerns about Illinois’ Energy
Springfield, IL…A new study by three state agencies sounds the alarm about electricity shortages in the near future. The Illinois Power Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and Illinois Commerce Commission released a ‘Resource Adequacy Study’ in which they acknowledged that fossil fuel power plants may have to remain open to meet rising energy demands.
State Representative Mike Coffey (R-Springfield) has been sounding the alarm about the impacts that progressive energy policies would have on future of energy in Illinois. Coffey says Illinois must make it a priority to preserve reliable and affordable energy by using an all-of-the-above energy approach.
“Our state is facing an energy crisis of our own making,” said Coffey. “The most recent report from three state agencies is a clear sign that our state is not in a position to eliminate coal-fired power plants. The policies that Illinois Democrats continue to pass out of the Capitol not only cause our monthly bills to go up, but at some point there simply will not be enough energy produced to meet our demands.”