Illinois energy costs expected to increase as Pritzker considers bill

)The Center Square) – Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch says conversations about energy policy will continue, even with a measure pending the governor’s signature.

Welch, D-Hillside, told The Center Square that the energy bill lawmakers approved in October will work to lower energy costs. The measure puts more emphasis on alternative energy like batteries and also lifts the nuclear moratorium.

But, a study released by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and others said Illinois will have energy shortages if it continues.

“I’m looking forward to the governor putting his signature on it but all of my experts around the table say ‘we’re going to be back at the table,’ and we’re going to continue to look to ways to make things better and I’m listening to those experts,” Welch said.

State Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville, said he hop...