Sangamon Sun

State Senator Chris Balkema (R-Channahon) has expressed concerns about the recently passed “Energy Omnibus Bill,” officially known as SB 25, which he believes will result in higher utility costs and reduced consumer protections for Illinois residents.

“Families are already struggling to keep up, and instead of offering relief, this makes things worse,” said Senator Balkema. “It wipes out the protections that keep energy affordable and gives unelected bureaucrats the power to raise rates with no limits or accountability."

The new legislation eliminates existing restrictions on how much utilities can increase electric rates, shifting authority over rate decisions to the Illinois Commerce Commission. According to Balkema, this change could lead to an estimated $8 billion increase in utility fees.

“Our power bills are going to go way up. Once those caps are gone, there’s nothing stopping bills from going through the roof,” Senator Balkema continued. “Families will pay more, local control will be stripped away, and reliability will suffer. Illinoisans deserve a break, not another bill that makes life more expensive. Affordability must come first.”

Balkema is calling on lawmakers to focus on policies that safeguard consumers, uphold local oversight, and ensure dependable and affordable energy for working families throughout Illinois.

SB 25 was approved by the General Assembly on October 30.