DOWNSTATE SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE CALLING FOR ACTION ON RISING ENERGY COSTS. 

SOME FAMILIES HAVE SEEN THEIR POWER BILLS DOUBLE OVER THE PAST YEAR, LEAVING THEM WITH SOME TOUGH CHOICES. SENATOR TERRY BRYANT OF MURPHYSBORO SAYS A RELIEF PACKAGE FOR AMEREN CUSTOMERS THAT’S BEEN PASSED BUT NOT FUNDED WOULD HELP. SHE SAYS AT LEAST 200 MILLION DOLLARS IS NEEDED.

SENATOR CHAPIN ROSE OF MAHOMET SAYS SOMETHING MUST BE DONE IMMEDIATELY TO HELP FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO PAY THEIR POWER BILLS. HE POINTS TO A RELIEF PACKAGE FOR AMEREN CUSTOMERS THAT WAS PASSED BUT STILL HASN’T BEEN FUNDED.

OTHER SOLUTIONS INCLUDE CUTTING BUREAUCRATIC RED TAPE SO THAT NEW POWER PLANTS CAN COME ONLINE MORE QUICKLY AND ADDING MORE MEGAWATTS OF CLEAN, GAS-GENERATED POWER TO THE GRID.