RELEASE: Illinois Reaps Benefits of Rate Decreases and a Smarter Grid
Illinois Reaps Benefits of Rate Decreases and a Smarter Grid
Missouri Senate Bill 1028 Modeled After Successful 2011 Legislation
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – On the heels of the passage of SB1028 out of a Missouri Senate Committee, evidence of successful results from similar legislation is being felt by Illinois electric consumers. According to an article in today’s St. Louis Post Dispatch, 1.2 million Ameren Illinois consumers will see a $14 million decrease in electricity rates. After years of increases, this decrease is a direct result of a utility bill passed in 2011. That bill served as the model for SB1028, which is now moving through the Missouri General Assembly.
“This rate decrease is welcome news for Illinois electric consumers, but it is even more telling of what Senator Silvey’s SB1028 and its supporters are trying to accomplish in Missouri. While it is unusual these days to point to economic successes in Illinois, electricity consumers and businesses in the energy sector are reaping the benefits from similarly enacted legislation,” said Irl Scissors, Executive of Missourians for Balanced Energy Future.
Illinois utilities impacted by the legislation are investing more in infrastructure, installing storm resistant poles, energy efficient controls and smart grid technology including enhanced cybersecurity. These upgrades result in a more reliable, efficient electric grid, creating jobs through the energy economy.
“In 2011, the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act was enacted in Illinois. While not identical to SB1028 it serves as a positive model. Senate Bill 1028 includes many similar provisions and includes first-of-its-kind rate caps for electric consumers in Missouri and reinforces a commitment to renewable energy.”
The text of Missouri’s SB1028 can be found here.
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