Dupage Policy Journal

Yesterday, the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 25, a measure that removes caps on utility rates in the state. Critics of the bill say it could lead to significant increases in energy bills for residents.

The legislation allocates millions of taxpayer dollars to a large company for battery storage projects. It also sets the social cost of carbon at $200 per ton, which is currently the highest rate in the country. Additionally, SB 25 transfers authority over energy policy decisions from elected lawmakers to appointed members of the Illinois Commerce Commission.

In response to these changes, Illinois State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Carol Stream) issued a statement: "This bill removes the caps on your utility rates which opens the door for EVERYONE’S energy bills to skyrocket." She continued, "It hands millions of your taxpayer dollars to a big company for battery storage… sets the social cost of carbon at a staggering $200 a ton – the highest in the nation – and strips energy policy decisions away from your elected lawmakers, handing them to unelected bureaucrats on the Illinois Commerce Commission."

Sanalitro acknowledged public support for clean energy but emphasized concerns about affordability: "Yes, residents want clean energy – but they want and demand affordable energy more." She added, "Everywhere our residents turn, they are getting squeezed by higher costs and rising prices. And right now, improving affordability in all industries should be every lawmaker's top priority."

Explaining her vote against SB 25, Sanalitro said: "SB 25 is just another example of the misplaced priorities coming out of the Illinois General Assembly and I had no choice but to vote NO!"

Sanalitro has represented Illinois' 48th House District since being elected in 2023 as a Republican. She succeeded Terra Costa Howard as state representative.