Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation to Lower Energy Costs and Increase Transparency for Illinois Consumers

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed two bills (HB 4456 and HB 5524) that strengthen energy affordability and consumer protections by helping lower utility costs for working families across the state and increasing transparency around the charges that appear on monthly electric bills. This set of new laws builds on Gov. Pritzker’s affordability agenda by ensuring Illinoisans have greater access to energy assistance while increasing available data and transparency on billing. ​

“Making life more affordable for working families means tackling the costs that show up every month, including rising energy costs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois has made historic investments to strengthen our energy system while returning savings to consumers. By signing these bills, we are building on that foundational work by helping reduce energy costs for working families while increasing transparency on billing.”

Lowering Energy Bills for Illinois Working Families

HB 4456 strengthens the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) authority to approve utility low-income discount programs established by CEJA. The legislation ensures that eligible customers receive discounts covering their whole electric or gas bill, rather than certain charges, helping reduce energy costs for households with the greatest need while maintaining regulatory oversight through the ICC.

In 2023, the ICC ordered Illinois’ largest gas, electric, and water companies to offer low-income discount rates. The discounts range from 5% to 84% of customers’ total monthly gas bills, based on a five-tier system. Discounts are tied to income, number of people in the home, and the cost of service offered by the utility. Households eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), at or below 300% the Federal Poverty Level, are automatically enrolled in the discount program but must apply for LIHEAP annually to keep the benefit.

“This summer has proven to be exceptionally hot, resulting in greater power usage to just stay comfortable indoors, which means more families are facing higher utility bills,” said State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program saves lives every year by helping eligible low-income families pay for energy. No one should have to choose between paying their utility bill and putting a meal on the table. By expanding eligibility, we’re giving more families the opportunity to get the assistance that they need.”

Low Income Discount Rates for electric and water are also offered in 2026. For more about utilities’ various low-income discount programs, and access links to self-report your income, visit the ICC’s Utility Assistance webpage.

Increasing Transparency on Consumers’ Bills

HB 5524 requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to publish a report detailing the charges that appear on a residential customer's monthly electric bill. The report will provide consumers with a clearer understanding of the additional charges and fees that go into their utility bill, promoting greater transparency and helping Illinoisans better understand their energy bills.

“We’re going to have COGFA study all the fees that you’re paying in your electricity bill and generate a report for the public to review,” said State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton). “I pledge to continue to pass this bill each year so Illinois electricity customers can stay informed on where their dollars are going. Educating folks on exactly what they are paying for increases transparency and accountability for electric providers, and is a good consumer protection step we can take amid rising costs in the energy industry.”

“Consumers shouldn't have to guess what they're paying for when they receive their monthly electric bill,” said State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “By making information about utility fees and surcharges easier to access and understand, this law helps provide the transparency Illinois ratepayers deserve.”

Building a More Affordable Energy Future for Illinois

Today’s legislation builds on Governor Pritzker's comprehensive strategy to make energy more affordable and reliable for Illinois working families. Since signing the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021, Illinois has expanded energy efficiency programs that help households reduce their energy use and utility bills, accelerated investments in clean energy that lower long-term costs, and preserved the state's nuclear capacity through the Carbon Mitigation Credit (CMC) program. That program alone has returned more than $2.2 billion directly to ComEd customers through credits on their electric bills, providing much needed relief for Illinois working families. ​

Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker continued that work by signing the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act to strengthen grid reliability, expand energy storage, and unlock new, lower-cost sources of electricity that help protect consumers from future price spikes, expected to save consumers more than $13 billion. He also took executive action and directed agencies to support the development of new nuclear production to strengthen long-term energy reliability, and ensure Illinois continues to provide abundant, carbon-free electricity at competitive prices. Together with today's legislation, these actions reflect Gov. Pritzker’s commitment to lowering costs, improving transparency, and ensuring every Illinoisan has access to reliable, affordable energy.

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