Niemerg: “Making Utility Bills Affordable Again”

Dieterich, IL… State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is sponsoring legislation to address the current and worsening energy crisis affecting Illinois and help bring relief to struggling families, seniors on fixed incomes, and all energy customers in Illinois.

The group of bills, referred to as the "Make Utility Bills Affordable Again" package, includes:

• HB 4121- 'The End the Energy Tax Act': This measure eliminates all state-mandated taxes, surcharges, and subsidy fees from electric bills and works to cut hidden costs for families and small businesses.

• HB 4122- 'Fast-Track Nuclear Now Act': The bill accelerates the approval and construction of new nuclear facilities to deliver safe, clean, and affordable long-term energy for Illinois.

• HB 4123- 'Save Our Power Plants Act': The bill grants 15-year extensions for coal and natural gas plants that are scheduled for closure under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), preventing shortages and further price hikes.

• HB 4124- 'Uncap Affordable Power Act': This measure removes emissions caps on natural gas and electrical generation to restore affordable, reliable baseload power and to stabilize the grid.

"I will continue to fight for lower energy prices for the families and small businesses in our state and oppose the Democrats' push to make Illinois a carbon-free state," said Niemerg. "The Democrats' energy policies have been poorly thought out and unworkable, placing political agendas ahead of reliable and affordable energy. With constantly rising prices, energy is being treated as a luxury, which is why I am sponsoring this legislation to make utilities affordable again."

Rep. Niemerg has been sounding the alarm about the harmful effects of Democrats' radical energy policies, noting how they restrict carbon-emitting energy sources without a realistic plan for the future. In May, Ameren, the largest serving utility company in central and southern Illinois, confirmed its concerns when the results from the recent Midcontinental Independent System Operator (MISO) capacity auction were released. From May 2024 to May 2025, rates per Megawatt-day increased from $30 to $666.50, which caused dramatic increases in energy prices this summer.

"Early this year, my colleagues and I called on Democrat leaders to hold hearings on the emerging crisis, but they ignored our request. Now, families are drowning in high bills-and the majority party is just beginning to ask questions they should have addressed long ago," Niemerg added.

Niemerg's bills are being held up in the Rules Committee and await being assigned to a substantive committee for a public hearing. To follow along with the bills' actions, visit ilga.gov. If you have any questions about these or any other legislative proposals, please contact Rep. Niemerg at (217) 665-3163 or visit RepNiemerg.com.

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