CHERRY VALLEY – State Senator Dave Syverson (R-Cherry Valley) is warning Illinois residents that sweeping energy legislation signed into law today will significantly increase electric bills, further burdening families and those on fixed incomes.

“Over the last five years, electric bills in Illinois have already increased by nearly 40 percent,” Senator Syverson said. “This bill adds another $8 billion in costs that will be passed directly on to consumers.”

Senator Syverson noted that just five years ago, Illinois had some of the lowest energy costs in the Midwest. Today, families are facing some of the highest, with no relief in sight.

“These increases hit seniors and residents on fixed incomes the hardest,” Senator Syverson said. “When energy costs go up, there’s no way to budget around it. You either pay the bill or go without.”

“Don’t take my word for it,” Senator Syverson added. “Open up your electric bill and look at how much it has gone up. This legislation makes a bad situation even worse.”