Preston Introduces Bill to Promote Affordable, Sustainable Energy in Illinois Without Burdening Ratepayers (Chicago, IL) – State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) has introduced legislation aimed at pushing Illinois closer to a carbon-free energy future while shielding working families from rising utility bills.
Senate Bill 2689, filed this week, would authorize the Illinois Finance Authority to provide loans to companies developing battery energy storage facilities in the state. Unlike previous proposals, Preston emphasized, the measure would not force Illinois residents to foot the bill through higher rates.
“Instead of soaking ratepayers for even more money, as some propose, the businesses that are going to reap the rewards should also take the risk,” Preston said. “By creating a loan program, the state will earn a return on its investment, and those funds can be reinvested to meet the broken climate justice promises from CEJA and support future energy needs.”
The measure comes after an August Senate Energy Committee hearing that, according to Preston, highlighted ongoing disagreements between lawmakers and industry groups over the pace and cost of Illinois’ clean energy transition. He said he was motivated to act after hearing “the same tired arguments and repeated unfulfilled promises” that, in his view, have left working families with higher bills and little relief.
A recent report from the Illinois Auditor General found that the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) has not lived up to its pledge of delivering climate equity. Preston argued that many of the same stakeholders who championed CEJA are now requesting more funding despite those shortcomings.
“I am more concerned about the hardworking dad who needs more money to pay his electric bill or the single mom working two jobs who chooses to go hungry to feed her children and make sure they have electricity, than I am with providing more money for programs that failed and promises that were broken,” he said.
Preston acknowledged the bill may face pushback from energy storage companies that prefer subsidies or ratepayer-funded guarantees. But he pointed to examples in other states, including Michigan, where similar projects have moved forward without burdening residents.
“Every day my constituents have to bet on themselves to make ends meet,” Preston said. “SB2689 allows the battery storage industry to bet on themselves while not gambling with the money of hardworking families.”
The senator confirmed that a companion measure will also be introduced in the Illinois House.
Preston Introduces Bill to Promote Affordable, Sustainable Energy in Illinois Without Burdening Ratepayers
