Passage of “Big, Beautiful Bill” Will Create “Big, Burdensome Energy Bills” in Illinois

A joint statement from SEIA, ISEA, and CCSA on the urgent need for state energy legislation

The “Big, Beautiful Bill” will create “Big, Burdensome energy Bills,” increasing energy prices in Illinois by an estimated 25% by 2029 and compounding the recent rate hikes that took effect on June 1. It will devastate the $9.9 billion Illinois solar energy industry, and, according to the Governor’s office, put at risk nearly 300 clean energy projects across the state at a time when energy demand is causing energy prices to skyrocket, threaten 26,000 Illinois jobs by 2030 that will be lost as clean energy manufacturing and construction projects fail, and threaten nearly $45 billion in economic growth for Illinois over the next decade as manufacturing leaves the state. By undermining clean energy progress across the country, this bill will cause immense harm to Illinois’ residents, businesses, environment, and economy.

At a time when Illinois is experiencing historic price increases due to record energy demand, we cannot afford to slow down the flourishing clean energy economy. We must build energy resources quickly to meet demand, wrangle rapidly increasing energy prices, and invest in clean energy to stabilize and lower energy prices. Clean energy, especially solar and storage, is the fastest, most cost-effective way to build enough new energy to meet skyrocketing demand. While new gas plants face construction timelines of five to seven years, solar and storage can be deployed in two to three years, or less.

The “Big, Beautiful Bill” eliminates critical clean energy tax credits, sending the wrong signal to the economy and clean energy markets and threatening investments, jobs, and progress toward our state’s and country’s energy and climate goals.

As the federal government condemns struggling residents to suffer from rising energy bills, Illinois has the opportunity to lead. By passing smart, forward-looking energy legislation this year, Illinois lawmakers can stand up for Illinois households and businesses, ensure clean energy industries continue to grow and provide jobs and economic benefits for everyone in Illinois, and protect our environment.