Future Energy Jobs Bill passes Illinois Legislature, heads to governor for signature

Exelon Generation and ComEd commended Illinois lawmakers on passing the Future Energy Jobs Bill, which the companies said will create and save thousands of jobs and make the state a leader in clean energy.

“This forward-looking energy policy levels the playing field and values all carbon-free energy equally, positions Illinois as a national leader in advancing clean energy, and will provide a major boost to the Illinois economy,” said Chris Crane, president and CEO of Exelon. 

The bill values the zero-carbon energy produced by nuclear facilities, essentially putting nuclear on par with solar and wind energy. Ninety percent of the carbon-free energy produced in Illinois comes from the state’s nuclear facilities, Exelon said.

More than 200 businesses and groups from across the state showed support for the Future Energy Jobs Bill, which will maintain competitive electric rates while expanding clean energy at an average capped rate of 25 cents per month for ComEd residential customers.

“We encourage the governor to swiftly sign the legislation into law.” Crane said.

Once signed, the bill will take effect June 1, 2017, preserving and creating tens of thousands of jobs across Illinois, securing competitive electric rates for homes and businesses across the state. It will also lock in billions of dollars in investments for clean energy and energy efficiency measures statewide.

The Future Energy Jobs Bill would provide businesses flexible savings options through expanded energy efficiency, maintain $1.2 billion in economic activity by plants and prevents more than $10 billion in increased costs from carbon emissions if the plants had closed.