SHELBYVILLE, IL…State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) issued the following statement after signing on to and sending a letter to House Energy and Environment Chairperson Rep. Carol Ammons and Vice Chair Rep. Joyce Mason, requesting a joint hearing of the House and Senate energy committees to discuss Illinois Energy Policy. The letter was signed by all Republican members of the House Energy and Environment Committee and sent out on May 6, 2025.
The request for the joint hearing is due to increased energy costs since the implementation of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), and other supplemental legislative measures. The letter also included recent results of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s (MISO) Annual Capacity Auction, which revealed a 22-fold increase in capacity prices, which is expected to lead to 18% to 22% electric bill increases for residential customers in Illinois and PJM’s last capacity auction resulting in a nearly tenfold increase in prices.
“It is imperative that both chambers get together to discuss this topic and hear from experts on what to expect long-term,” said Rep. Halbrook. “There are growing concerns about affordability and longevity, and we need to get ahead of those issues before it is too late. By hearing from experts in a joint committee hearing, a bi-cameral, bi-partisan group of legislators can make informed decisions on how to proceed for the benefit of all of Illinoisians, whether they be residents, farmers, or manufacturers.”
The objective of the joint hearing is to invite policy experts, academic researchers, and industry leaders from across the Midwest to provide testimony whether the current policies are serving their intended purpose or need to be changed.
The letter sent to the committee leaders on May 6th is below. With questions, please contact Rep. Halbrook at (217) 342-0220 or at RepHalbrook.com.
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