A government gas ban in Illinois could saddle homeowners with tens of thousands of dollars in added costs, according to a new analysis by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA). Legislation introduced by state Sen. Celina Villanueva and backed by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson aims to prohibit natural gas hookups in new buildings, but critics warn it could devastate household budgets and the state economy.
Marc Brown, CEA’s vice president of state affairs, estimates the average homeowner would pay around $55,000 to retrofit a house for full electrification. That includes new panels, appliances, heat pumps, and the removal of natural gas furnaces. In total, Illinois households could see $7.6 billion in added utility costs statewide—roughly $2,631 per home.