SPRINGFIELD —As an advocate for clean energy and a sustainable future, State Senator Graciela Guzmán celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 25 while calling for additional legislation to address rising costs of energy for consumers.

“If we sit idly as Wall Street lets big energy companies raise electricity prices, we will be left to foot the bill of a broken system and risk people losing access to power entirely,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This measure will invest in our clean energy future and help transition Illinois to a cleaner, more reliable grid while supporting workers and families.”

Senate Bill 25 would invest in battery storage, energy efficiency and smart grid technologies that can lower costs and increase grid reliability. It would incentivize businesses to build large batteries to store renewable energy, as well as add three gigawatts of battery storage to Illinois’ grid, with no upfront costs to consumers. Battery storage lowers costs over time — meaning consumers will be on track to save more than $13 billion over the next two decades.

“Like many of my constituents, I struggle to afford the rising costs of utility bills,” said Guzmán. “However, I am confident that our investment now will pay off for a cleaner, more sustainable future. I remain committed to providing additional utility bill relief for consumers as we transition our state to a cleaner energy grid.”

Senate Bill 25 passed the Senate on Thursday.