Senator Rose files legislation to restore energy rate caps and protect local control

New bills aim to lower utility costs and give communities more say over energy projects

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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State Senator Rose (R-Mahomet) has filed a series of bills in the Illinois legislature designed to lower energy costs for families and restore local control over energy projects. The legislation comes in response to a recent law signed by Governor Pritzker that removed long-standing protections shielding households from unlimited utility rate increases and included an $8 billion battery storage mandate to be paid for by consumers.

Why it matters

The new bills proposed by Senator Rose aim to address concerns that the recent energy legislation signed by Governor Pritzker will lead to higher electricity bills for Illinois families. The legislation also seeks to give local communities more say over the siting of wind, solar, and energy storage facilities in their areas.

The details

Senator Rose's legislation includes three key components: 1) SB 4003, which would restore consumer rate caps to ensure families are not left vulnerable to unchecked electric bill increases and repeal the $8 billion battery storage mandate; 2) SB 4001, which would restore local control over the siting of wind, solar, and energy storage facilities, requiring approval from counties, townships, and municipalities within 1.5 miles of a proposed project before construction can proceed; and 3) a bill asking the Illinois Power Agency to include 'least cost pricing' in its mandates to ensure the state procures the cheapest power for Illinois families.

  • In January 2026, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 25 into law.
  • Senator Rose filed the new legislation in February 2026.

The players

Senator Rose

A Republican state senator representing the Mahomet area who has filed legislation to restore energy rate caps and give local communities more control over energy projects.

Governor Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who signed Senate Bill 25 into law in January 2026, which removed long-standing protections shielding households from unlimited utility rate increases.

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What they’re saying

“Rather than lowering costs for families, Governor Pritzker's bill jacks up power rates once again. Removing rate caps doesn't save money, it gives utilities a green light to raise rates on hard-working families who are already stuck with higher bills.”

— Senator Rose (The County Chronicle)

What’s next

The new legislation filed by Senator Rose will now go through the Illinois legislative process, where it will be considered and debated by lawmakers.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing debate over energy policy in Illinois, with lawmakers seeking to balance the need for renewable energy investments with protecting consumers from rising utility costs. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for Illinois families and the state's energy landscape.