Senator DeWitte Seeks to Address Rising Energy Costs and Strengthen Grid Reliability
As Illinois families and businesses continue to face elevated electricity costs, I am renewing my call for policies aimed at improving affordability, strengthening grid reliability, and expanding energy generation.
Of major concern is the fact that ComEd’s October rates are roughly 4.3 percent higher than they were at this time last year. The increase comes amid concerns about tight electricity supplies, aging power generation facilities, and insufficient new generation to meet growing demand.
Illinois families need lasting solutions to rising energy costs, not policies that make reliable electricity more expensive or difficult to produce. I am co-sponsoring several legislative proposals aimed at addressing the state’s energy challenges, including:
- Senate Bill 3580: Creates a task force to monitor energy reliability, evaluate the impact of state energy policies, and support emerging technologies such as carbon capture.
- Senate Bill 3581: Repeals mandates requiring the closure of reliable coal and natural gas power plants and restores opportunities for future energy generation projects.
- Senate Bill 3582: Streamlines the permitting process for new energy infrastructure projects to reduce delays and help bring additional power generation online more quickly.
- Senate Bill 4002: Restores local control by requiring approval from affected counties, townships, and municipalities before commercial wind, solar, or energy storage facilities can be constructed.
- Senate Bill 2687: Creates the Home Utility Relief Act to provide rebates to eligible families struggling with rising utility bills.
- Senate Bill 3970: Requires comprehensive cost-benefit analyses before major natural gas system changes are approved, including an examination of potential impacts on utility bills and reliability.
- Senate Bill 4028: Modernizes utility interconnection rules to reduce project delays, address inconsistent upgrade costs, and help bring additional energy resources online more efficiently.
I also supported House Bill 5524, which was signed into law earlier this year. The measure requires a publicly available report detailing electric utility fees and surcharges, giving consumers greater insight into the charges appearing on their monthly bills.
These legislative proposals focus on providing financial relief to struggling households while addressing longer-term challenges involving energy generation, reliability, transparency, and consumer protections.
DeWitte’s 5th Annual Coat Drive a Tremendous Success, Collecting 360 Coats for Those in Need
Thanks to the generosity of residents throughout the 33rd Senate District in Kane and McHenry Counties, my 5th annual coat drive collected 360 coats, along with additional winter clothing and accessories, to help local individuals and families prepare for the cold months ahead.
In all, members of the community donated 117 men’s coats, 200 women’s coats, and 43 children’s coats. Several pairs of snow pants, hats and gloves, as well as 16 heavy cardigan sweaters were also collected, providing additional cold-weather essentials for those facing difficult circumstances.
The donated items were distributed on Friday to four local organizations serving people in need: Kids in Need-McHenry County, Lazarus House in St. Charles, the Elgin Wayside Center, and the Salvation Army of St. Charles. These organizations provide important resources and support to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances throughout the region.
I am absolutely thrilled with the response to this year’s coat drive. Collecting 357 coats is an incredible accomplishment, and it speaks volumes about the generosity and compassion of the people in our communities. Every coat represents an opportunity to help someone stay warm this winter, and I am grateful to everyone who donated and helped make this effort such a tremendous success.
DeWitte Co-Hosts Successful Senior Expo in Crystal Lake
I want to thank everyone who came out to my annual Senior Expo, which was held last week in Crystal Lake. We had well over 100 visitors who were able to receive valuable information from organizations that cater to the needs of Illinois seniors.
Many took advantage of free flu shots and other services that were offered at no cost. We had over 30 tables at this year’s expo, and my deepest thanks goes out to all who helped make this annual event a tremendous success!
Protecting Our Families Through National Drug Take Back Day
Unused and expired medications can pose serious risks when they are left sitting in our homes. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, taking place Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., gives Illinois families a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unwanted medications and help prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Needles cannot be dropped off at these events.
I encourage residents to take a few minutes to check their medicine cabinets for medications they no longer need and bring them to a participating collection site. The initiative is an important part of preventing prescription drug misuse, accidental poisonings, and other dangers associated with improperly stored medications.
The April 2026 Take Back Day resulted in more than 642,000 pounds of unwanted medications being collected nationwide. Since the program began in 2010, more than 21 million pounds of medications have been safely removed from homes and communities.
Keeping our families and communities safe starts with simple steps we can all take. I encourage everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets, safely dispose of medications they no longer need, and help make Illinois a safer place for our families.
To find a participating collection site near you, visit the DEA’s National Take Back Day collection-site locator.
Medicare Open Enrollment: Review Your Coverage for 2027
Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period runs now through December 7, giving beneficiaries an opportunity to review their current coverage and make changes for 2027. The Illinois Department on Aging encourages residents to compare plans carefully, as some premiums are increasing, prescription drug coverage may change, and certain plans will not be renewed next year.
Beneficiaries should review their Annual Notice of Change to understand updates to their plan’s costs and benefits. Free, unbiased counseling is available through Illinois’ Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which helps residents navigate Medicare options and identify potential savings.
For assistance, call SHIP at 1-800-252-8966 or email Aging.SHIP@Illinois.gov. Residents can also contact their local SHIP site to schedule an appointment. Bringing a list of current medications, preferred pharmacies and insurance plan information can help beneficiaries make the most of their counseling session.
2027 Health Insurance Marketplace Rates Released
The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) has released 2027 rates for health plans offered through the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace. The statewide weighted average rate increase for individual plans is 14.1%, down from 28.8% last year. Please note that the ACA Illinois rates posted online do not represent the actual premiums paid by the consumer. Actual premiums will vary based on plan selection and eligibility for financial assistance.
Open enrollment runs November 1, 2026, through January 15, 2027, with residents able to preview plans and costs beginning October 19. In 2026, more than 466,000 Illinois residents enrolled in marketplace coverage, and approximately 85% received premium tax credits to help lower monthly costs.
Free enrollment assistance is available through certified navigators and brokers statewide. Visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov/LocalHelp or call 866-311-1119 for assistance.