New energy legislation positions Illinois as a national leader to tackle rising energy costs and modernize infrastructure

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Ceres applauds Illinois lawmakers for passing 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 Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act is one of the most significant energy laws passed in 2025,” said Kelly Trombley, senior director of state policy at Ceres. “CRGA offers a clear roadmap to modernize infrastructure and lower costs by making it easier to deploy clean energy. Solar and wind, along with the battery storage to preserve that power, are currently the least expensive and quickest energy resources to build. Ceres commends Illinois’s leadership in addressing the current energy and affordability challenges facing households and businesses.” 

CRGA passed the General Assembly by a constitutional majority, demonstrating the broad bipartisan 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 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. 

Earlier this week, Ceres sent a letter to leaders in the Illinois General Assembly, signed by major businesses operating in Illinois in support of CRGA’s passage. Businesses including Akamai Technologies, dsm-Firmenich, HA Sustainable Infrastructure (HASI), Leopardo Construction, Leopardo Energy, Rivian, and Sealed, wrote “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.” 

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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.