Chambana Sun

Adam Niemerg, State Representative of Illinois, said that high energy costs are straining families and businesses and called for policy reforms to address the crisis. The statement was made on X.

"Illinois is in an energy crisis—and you're paying the price," said Adam M. Niemerg, State Representative from Illinois. "Some small businesses are seeing electric bills hit $4,500/month. Illinois families shouldn't be punished for bad policy. It's time to put consumers first—before it's too late."

Illinois is currently grappling with a significant energy cost crisis, as reported by MyJournalCourier. Summer 2025 has brought sharp increases in electric bills linked to surging capacity auction prices and new pressures from data center and electric vehicle demand. Recent legislative proposals aimed at capping or offsetting these costs—including renewable and storage incentives—have stalled, intensifying the debate over how to align affordability with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act’s clean energy mandates.

According to Capitol News Illinois and the Citizens Utility Board, northern Illinois residential electric customers served by ComEd experienced monthly bill increases of about $10.60 in June 2025. Meanwhile, Ameren customers in central and southern Illinois faced hikes of 18–22%, translating to roughly $45 more per month, driven by a record PJM capacity auction price increase.

A report by Synapse Energy Economics found that while Illinois residential electric rates have historically been below the national average, market pressures related to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and capacity auction volatility pushed supply prices up in 2025. ComEd’s rate rose from approximately 9.56¢/kWh to nearly 10¢/kWh, outpacing price trends in many other states.

According to his official biography, Niemerg is a Republican representing Illinois’s 102nd District since 2021. He has a background in history and insurance claims and has focused his legislative career on lowering taxes, supporting rural and farming communities, and opposing state spending increases.