Overview
- The House approved SB 25 on a 70-37 vote and the Senate followed 37-22, sending the measure to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who praised it as a step toward lower bills and a stronger grid.
- The package authorizes procurement of large battery storage — reported at roughly 3 GW — plus virtual power plants, expanded energy-efficiency programs and an end to the state moratorium on new nuclear facilities.
- Sen. Steve Stadelman said a new line item will appear on customer bills in 2030, with supporters asserting added battery capacity at that time will offset costs.
- Business groups and Republicans warn of higher bills, with one senator calling it an $8 billion increase and others objecting to reduced local control and a lack of price caps.
- Backers cite surging electricity use from data centers and retiring coal capacity, arguing storage and VPPs will cut price spikes and improve reliability, with labor and solar industry groups in support.