Report Reveals Devastating Financial Impact on 37% of Illinois Families Already Living with Income Constraints and 12% in poverty
CHICAGO, IL – Banning or restricting natural gas service could cost Illinois families as much as $101,988 per household in retrofitting expenses alone, a Consumer Energy Alliance analysis found.
This report examined the severe economic burden that forced electrification would place on families across the state, with particular harm to the 37% of Illinois households already living below the ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) threshold. Currently, Illinois consumes the eighth highest amount of natural gas in the country, with nearly 8 out of 10 Illinois homes relying on natural gas for heating.
“While we strongly support the development of renewable energy, policies that eliminate energy choice will create devastating financial hardships for Illinois families – especially those with low incomes or seniors on fixed incomes,” CEA Vice President Kaitlin Hammons said.
In this report, CEA found that if Illinois households had been forced to switch to all-electric heating, their utility bills would have increased by $7.6 billion statewide or $2,631 per household.
In total, the forced electrification expenses would cost an average of $55,000 for a single-family home. As these bills fall on already struggling families, energy affordability would decrease, since 59% of Americans already cannot afford a $1,000 emergency expense.
The economic impact extends beyond residential users since Illinois manufacturers consume over 25% of the state’s natural gas and employ more than 574,000 workers. The state’s agricultural community, covering 27 million acres and accounting for $51.1 billion in GDP, relies on natural gas for crop drying – a function with no commercially viable electric alternatives.
“The environmental progress Illinois has achieved with natural gas is truly significant and shouldn’t be overlooked,” Hammons said. “We’ve seen dramatic improvements in air quality over the past three decades. This proves that Illinois can achieve meaningful environmental goals while still providing families with affordable, reliable energy.”
###
About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the trusted voice advocating for affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy solutions that benefit all Americans. Representing families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers, and manufacturers, CEA champions sensible, balanced policies that support economic growth and environmental resiliency; and ensures families and businesses are a vocal part of the nation’s energy dialogue. Every day, we work to inspire practical, responsible solutions that meet America’s energy needs while protecting the environment for generations to come.
Contact:
Bryson Hull
(202) 657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org