Illinois Continues to Encourage Clean Energy

(CHICAGO – January 26, 2017) The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), on behalf of the Illinois Commerce Commission, recently released its proposed decision on Ameren Illinois’ rate design case. The utility sought to increase its residential fixed monthly charge from 36 percent to 40 percent of the total bill, which would have discouraged customers from investing in energy efficiency and residential solar. The Citizens Utilities Board and Environmental Defense Fund opposed Ameren’s proposal, and recommended the fixed charge be reduced from 36 percent. By adopting our recommendation to lower the fixed charge, the ALJ increases customers’ incentive to invest in clean energy. 

“Clean energy is a critical part of the race to clean up our nation’s power sector, and the Illinois Commerce Commission took a step in the right direction to help encourage a more efficient, healthier electricity system. Lowering Ameren’s fixed charges will give customers more incentive to invest in energy-saving resources like energy efficiency and generate their own power through solar panels. This decision, combined with the state’s landmark Future Energy Jobs Bill, continues to solidify Illinois’ place at the forefront of the clean energy economy.”

• Dick Munson, Director, Midwest Clean Energy