Kane County Reporter

Many Illinois residents have experienced a significant rise in their electric bills this summer, with costs reportedly doubling for some. The increase is attributed to supply constraints and the closure of several coal-burning power plants in the state, which has forced utility companies to purchase electricity from out-of-state sources. These interstate electricity prices are determined by Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs), such as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), rather than Illinois law.

The higher costs are being passed directly onto consumers because of state regulations that allow utilities to do so when part of the power supply comes from outside Illinois. According to House Republicans, this situation leaves little choice but to pay these rates or risk brownouts or blackouts.

In May, House Republicans called attention to what they described as an impending energy cost crisis and proposed measures aimed at increasing energy production capacity within the state. They addressed a letter to the Energy & Environment Committee leadership after MISO’s recent capacity auction set prices at $666.50 per Megawatt-day for the summer, compared to $30 just one year earlier.

State Representative Dave Severin, who serves as ranking member on the House Energy & Environment Committee, criticized current energy policies for contributing to rising utility costs. “House Republicans are concerned for the financial future of our constituents and our businesses, and for the future security, reliability, and affordability of our energy grid. We need answers. The numbers don’t lie. We don’t have enough energy production capacity,” Severin said. “We have artificially and prematurely stifled our coal, oil, and natural gas industries in Illinois. Summer is coming. Weeks and months of 90-degree weather are coming soon. With that weather, we know big energy price spikes are coming.”

Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer pointed to policy changes since 2021 as another factor affecting prices and reliability: “Due to misguided public policy like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, as well as market factors, Illinois’ power generation capacity has taken a significant hit. CEJA opponents, including myself, warned of rising prices and reduced supply when the law was passed nearly four years ago,” Davidsmeyer said. “Under current law, all electricity in the state of Illinois will be required to come from zero-emission sources and nuclear power by 2045. We have literally tied our hands and turned our backs on abundant Illinois coal.”

Several bills introduced by House Republicans aim to amend or delay provisions in current climate legislation in order to maintain existing generating units and protect local investments.

In other news related to agriculture, Decatur will host the Farm Progress Show from August 26–28. This event draws nearly six hundred exhibitors who will showcase equipment, technology, financing opportunities, crop insurance products, risk management strategies, and land leasing trends.

On higher education initiatives this week, state agencies launched One Click College Admit—a new direct admissions program for Illinois public universities and community colleges based solely on students’ grade point averages (GPA). This program eliminates application fees and essays for high school seniors applying for fall 2026 enrollment through a streamlined online process.

For community college transfers beginning January 2026, students can also opt into direct admission by submitting their GPA and transferable credits via an online form.

Regarding jobs in Illinois, John Deere announced layoffs affecting 167 workers at its East Moline Harvester Works (115 jobs) and Moline Seeding/Cylinder plant (52 jobs), citing lower demand among farmers due to declining crop prices—an ongoing trend that has resulted in over 1,000 job cuts at East Moline since 2023.

Meanwhile Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 328 into law (now Public Act 104-0352), which allows courts in Illinois broader jurisdiction over out-of-state companies if they conduct business within state lines—even briefly—regardless of where alleged injuries occurred. Critics say this measure could increase litigation risks for businesses operating in Illinois; supporters argue it benefits plaintiffs seeking recourse through legal channels.

House Republicans voiced concerns about SB 328’s impact on economic growth: “SB 328 continues to send a loud message – that Illinois is not a safe or predictable state to invest in,” according to their statement.

For senior citizens across the state—including those represented by State Representative Dan Ugaste (first elected in 2019 after replacing Steven Andersson; https://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=103&MemberID=3228)—Republicans outlined legislative efforts intended to expand access to food programs (HB 1541), eliminate taxes on retirement income (HR 112), reduce prescription drug costs (HB 1697), provide property tax relief (HBs 1789 &1746), cap annual property tax increases (HB 3723), phase out estate taxes by 2030 (HB2865), and reform driving test requirements for older adults through HB1226.

State Representative Jeff Keicher commented on changes proposed under HB1226: “Illinois is the only state in the country that requires driving tests based solely on age, even though data has consistently shown older drivers are actually some of the safest on the road,” said Keicher. “Passing this bill is a long-overdue action to respect our seniors...”

He added: “I still believe we need to do more so that road tests are determined based on more appropriate factors like driving record... but this legislation is a critical step forward.”

Rep. Joe Sosnowski emphasized protecting seniors from increased taxation: “Seniors in both urban and rural communities should be protected from being taxed out of their homes and out of Illinois,” Rep. Sosnowski said. “We want older adults to stay here... They deserve our respect and a state government that meets their needs.”

Finally, southern Illinois’ Du Quoin State Fair runs through Labor Day with scheduled harness racing events August 25–27; motor sports events August 30–31; themed days honoring veterans August 24 (“Veterans Day”), first responders August 31 (“First Responder Day”), as well as celebrations recognizing coal heritage (“Coal Heritage Day/SIU Day”) on August 30.