Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signs clean energy bill lifting moratorium on new nuclear plants, adding battery storage
JOLIET, Ill. (WLS) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill Thursday that lifts the state’s moratorium on new nuclear power plants.
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act will also bring more wind and solar projects online.
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The bill calls for Illinois to build three gigawatts of utility-scale battery storage.
It also allows for solar panel owners to be paid for providing power to the electric grid.
The bill was created to help the state better plan for energy demand spikes.
He signed the bill at Joliet Junior College.
Gov. Pritzker spoke on an Illinois clean energy bill Thursday.
Pritzker’s office said it’s a landmark piece of legislation for clean, affordable energy in Illinois.
It was passed by the General Assembly in October.
The legislation comes at a time when ComEd prices are increasing across Illinois.
“Utilities are a necessity. We all need to keep the lights on. We all need to keep our homes safe and warm,” said Jim Chilsen, with the Citizens Utility Board. “The big reason electricity prices are up, supply prices. It’s because of increased energy demand caused by data centers.”
This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.
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