Carbondale Reporter

Amid growing concerns over electricity costs in Southern Illinois, three state representatives have introduced legislation aimed at repealing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). State Representatives Dave Severin, Patrick Windhorst, and Paul Jacobs are behind the initiative called "Energize Illinois," which seeks to address issues of energy affordability and reliability.

Rep. Severin highlighted a recent Midcontinent Independent System Operator auction that saw prices soar to $666.50 per Megawatt-day, a significant increase from $30 just a year ago. He attributed this spike to Illinois' current energy policies. "People are getting their first summer electricity bills, and the prices are shockingly high and unaffordable," Severin stated.

The proposed legislation includes HB 4088, which would repeal CEJA and its 2045 deadline for ending fossil fuel use. Another bill, HB 4087, aims to establish a Power Grid Task Force to study the impact of state laws on energy prices and grid reliability.

House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst expressed concern over the financial strain on residents. "People are hurting, and they don’t know what to do," he said. He urged Democrats and Governor Pritzker to reconsider their stance on energy policies.

State Representative Paul Jacobs also supports the repeal of CEJA, advocating for an inclusive energy strategy. "We have artificially and wrongly set deadlines for ending the use of coal, oil, and natural gas-generated power," Jacobs remarked.