Illinois Lawmakers Warn of Rural Energy Crisis, Slam State Green Policies (Springfield, IL) — Members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are calling on Governor J.B. Pritzker and legislative leaders to address what they describe as a deepening energy crisis in rural parts of the state, citing rising utility bills, power grid concerns, and what they view as failed energy policy.
At a press conference on Thursday, State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville), and Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) were joined by Villa Grove small business owner Ryan Garrett to highlight the toll that increased energy costs are taking on families and small businesses.
“Thousands of Illinoisans are now dealing with utility bills that have jumped by 20 to 40 percent,” said Rep. Chris Miller. “This isn’t just about higher bills—it’s about families being forced to choose between cooling their homes or putting food on the table. These price hikes are the direct result of failed policies pushed by Governor Pritzker and Democrats in Springfield.”
The lawmakers placed much of the blame on the state’s 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which mandates a shift toward renewable energy. The law sets ambitious goals: 40% renewable energy by 2030, 50% by 2040, and 100% clean energy by 2050. But critics say the transition is moving too fast and forcing reliable energy sources off the grid prematurely.
They pointed to recent warnings from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which said downstate Illinois could face energy shortages as early as 2034 if current trends continue.
Rep. Halbrook said the state’s energy policies are out of sync with real-world needs. “This isn’t just a minor inconvenience,” he said. “It’s a clear sign our current path is unsustainable. We need an energy strategy that puts consumers first, not one based on ideological agendas.”
Renewable energy currently accounts for just 13.5% of Illinois’s electricity generation, meaning the state must more than double its output in five years to meet CEJA’s benchmarks.
The lawmakers also cited the increasing number of data centers as a factor straining the grid. Illinois is currently home to more than 220 data centers, with more expected as the federal government encourages their development.
“The governor’s focus on climate change doesn’t help if the grid can’t support the new economy,” Halbrook said. “Subsidies for wind and solar are gone. So how do we hit 50 percent renewable? We can’t—not without serious changes.”
Small business owner Ryan Garrett said the effects are already being felt. His Villa Grove bar and restaurant recently received a utility bill that was $1,000 higher than usual.
“I’ve had to cut employee hours and rethink how we operate,” Garrett said. “Raising prices isn’t really an option when everyone else is struggling too. This isn’t sustainable for businesses like mine.”
The Freedom Caucus urged state leaders to return to the table and rethink Illinois’ energy roadmap.
“We’re here to advocate for seniors, schools, hospitals, small businesses—anyone feeling the squeeze,” Halbrook said. “We’re ready to have real conversations about how Illinois can lead in the new economy without jeopardizing the livelihoods of the people who live here.”
Governor Pritzker’s office has not yet responded to the lawmakers’ remarks.
Illinois Lawmakers Warn of Rural Energy Crisis, Slam State Green Policies
