Utility bills have surged due to increased demand from data centers, which support the growing needs of artificial intelligence.  These increased costs have severely impacted residential customers, especially seniors, families and our neighbors on fixed incomes. Significant rate hikes by major utility providers in Illinois have intensified financial strain on those already burdened with rising housing, food and medical costs. 

To address these challenges, we are advocating for the adoption of a two-tier pricing structure to differentiate commercial and large-scale users from residential customers and boosting funding for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).