Illinois PIRG applauds Gov. Pritzker’s announced energy principles

Illinois PIRG

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a set of eight principles today to guide his administration’s approach to energy and utility legislation going forward. The principles include multiple policies Illinois PIRG has advocated for, including ending “formula rates” for electric utilities, ending similar infrastructure bill surcharges for gas utilities, and ending the practice of utilities recovering charitable contributions from customers bills. 

Illinois PIRG director Abe Scarr made the following statement in response:

“We applaud Governor Pritzker for steering Illinois energy policy in a new direction — one not unduly influenced by ComEd, Exelon and other utilities.

“For years, we have been calling on state leaders to end the state law that allows gas utilities to circumvent traditional regulatory oversight for large portions of their infrastructure spending. This law facilitates the failing Peoples Gas pipe replacement program creating a home heating affordability crisis in Chicago. We thank Governor Pritzker for hearing our call.

“We support the governor’s call to end formula rates, which have greatly and unnecessarily boosted ComEd and Exelon’s profits at the expense of customers. We also laud his call to end the outrageous practice of utilities using customers’ money — rather than their own — to make charitable contributions. 

“We look forward to working with Governor Pritzker and other stakeholders to build the clean, customer-centered, 21st century energy system Illinoisans deserve.”