Leading companies in Illinois today urged state lawmakers to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act, nation-leading legislation designed to reduce electricity costs, modernize infrastructure, and position Illinois to better compete for business and investment.
The General Assembly faces a Thursday deadline to finalize the legislation, which is being considered as electricity rates skyrocket for consumers and businesses in Illinois and across the nation. Businesses including Akamai Technologies, dsm-Firmenich, HA Sustainable Infrastructure (HASI), Leopardo Construction, Leopardo Energy, Rivian, and Sealed today released a letter supporting CRGA’s passage.
“CRGA presents a practical, forward-thinking path to address Illinois’ most pressing energy challenges. By modernizing infrastructure, expanding access to clean and efficient energy solutions, and preparing the grid for increased energy demand, CRGA offers the tools needed to ensure Illinois’ energy system is competitive, reliable, and aligned with businesses’ plans for innovation and investment in smart technologies,” the signatories wrote in the letter.
Electricity prices are growing at twice the rate of inflation. CRGA is a wide-ranging bill, built around a practical mix of technologies, tools, and policies to affordably and reliably address growing electricity demand.
“Energy efficiency reduces costs, improves reliability, and creates jobs across Illinois,” said David Kolata, Vice President of Policy, Sealed. “Illinois lawmakers have an opportunity this week to address a pressing economic concern facing households and businesses alike by passing the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act.”
CRGA includes measures such as:
New requirements for utilities to consider upgrades to existing infrastructure that will allow it to operate more efficiently, providing more electricity without requiring expensive new power line construction;
New programs to expand energy storage and implement virtual power plants that tap into extra power from homes and businesses, ensuring electricity is available affordably when it’s needed most;
New and improved energy efficiency programs to help individual households and businesses lower their energy bills while also reducing overall strain on the electric grid;
New energy planning processes to prepare Illinois for the future, such as ensuring utilities are adequately prepared for the needs of new electric vehicles and heat pumps.
The company letter was organized by Ceres.
“The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act is not just a strategy to modernize Illinois’ infrastructure and reduce costs. It is also a bellwether for the nation, and an opportunity for Illinois to lead on an issue that spans from coast to coast,” said Kelly Trombley, senior director of state policy, Ceres. “Clean energy is the most affordable and quickest energy resource to build, and CRGA will make it easier to deploy it across the state. Businesses support this legislation because they are keenly attuned to the energy issues at the heart of our economy and the best ways to address them. Illinois cannot afford to wait. The General Assembly must pass CRGA this week.”
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About Ceres
Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.