Illinois Legislative News: September 22, 2025
On September 18, the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee held a hearing discussing SB 40, an energy omnibus bill that was considered at the end of the 2025 regular session of the Illinois General Assembly. In the hearing today, there were four panels discussing different aspects of the legislation: (1) storage, (2) nuclear, (3) solar, and (4) energy efficiency.
Testimony on storage focused on the need for battery storage to stabilize prices and increase grid reliability, especially as renewables become more proliferated. Advocates emphasized that SB 40’s storage provisions would deliver significant savings to ratepayers and reduce volatility in the energy market. Alternatively, some industry and manufacturing groups raised concerns about financing mechanisms and potential ratepayer cost increases.
There was broad agreement amongst stakeholders at the hearing on lifting Illinois’ moratorium on new large-scale nuclear construction to meet growing energy demands and ensure grid reliability. The General Assembly passed legislation allowing for the construction of small modular reactors back in 2023, Public Act 103-569. Industry and business groups argued that nuclear energy is necessary for economic development and data center expansion, while environmental advocates supported a careful approach, suggesting the General Assembly delay action until spring to account for federal regulatory changes. Even if the state were to lift the moratorium on the construction of large-scale nuclear reactors, it would take years before the new reactors would be ready to go online.
Solar advocates warned of funding shortfalls that could stall the Illinois Shines program and called for statutory changes in SB 40 to extend support. The bill would expand solar access through virtual power plant models and storage rebates, with strong support for maintaining job growth and reliability benefits driven by distributed solar-plus-storage systems.
Energy efficiency experts emphasized that expanding efficiency programs is the most immediate and cost-effective way to lower ratepayer bills and reduce strain on the grid. SB 40 would increase savings standards and raise spending caps, with proponents citing long-term net savings for both Ameren and ComEd customers.
The General Assembly is preparing to consider omnibus energy legislation in the upcoming fall veto session on October 14-16 and 28-30.
Important Upcoming Dates – Statewide
October 14-16 – Veto Session Week 1
October 28-30 – Veto Session Week 2