Ceres and businesses in Illinois applaud landmark energy law to cut costs and modernize infrastructure

Ceres joins businesses with employees and operations across Illinois to applaud state legislators and Gov. JB Pritzker for coming together to pass and sign into law the nation-leading Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act to reduce electricity costs, modernize infrastructure, and position Illinois to better compete for business and investment. 

“The passage of CRGA is a win for Illinois. It provides a practical, forward-thinking path to tackle the state’s toughest energy challenges. Modernizing infrastructure, expanding access to clean and efficient energy, and preparing the grid for higher demand will help create the reliable, competitive energy system businesses like dsm-firmenich need to compete in the 21st century economy," said Hugh Welsh, president at dsm-firmenich North America. 

“Energy efficiency and distributed storage reduce costs, improve reliability, and create jobs across Illinois,” said David Kolata, vice president of policy, Sealed. “By signing the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, Illinois leaders are taking a major step to ease a pressing economic burden on households and businesses and ensure a more affordable, reliable energy future for the entire state.” 

Sealed and dsm-firmenich were among the businesses that sent a letter to leaders in the Illinois General Assembly and Gov. Pritzker in support of CRGA’s passage. They were joined by several other major businesses including Akamai Technologies, HASI, Leopardo Construction, Leopardo Energy, and Rivian. 

“Illinois just set a new benchmark for state energy leadership,” said Kelly Trombley, senior director of state policy at Ceres. “Companies support CRGA because it accelerates deployment of the cheapest energy — homegrown renewable power that will lower costs for households and businesses while modernizing our energy system. By signing this bill, Illinois leaders have put the state at the forefront of tackling today’s energy and affordability challenges and are keeping the state competitive in the modern economy.” 

CRGA passed the General Assembly in October 2025 by a constitutional majority, demonstrating the broad popularity of the legislation’s wide-ranging, holistic, and pragmatic approach to energy affordability. CRGA includes measures such as:  

• New requirements for utilities to consider upgrades to existing grid and transmission 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 future demand, including requiring utilities to align infrastructure planning with projected energy needs and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles and building electrification.  

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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.