SCHAUMBURG, IL – Just days before Illinoisans and manufacturers are hit with a spike in energy costs, the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) surveyed its small and midsize manufacturers on which direction they prefer Illinois take in terms of our energy policy and sources.
43% of responding members were in favor of Illinois taking advantage of our state’s nuclear and coal energy sources. 39% were in favor of a combination of all energy sources available now and in the future. Just 18% of small and midsize manufacturers were in favor of Illinois staying the course to full dependence on solar and wind energy by 2050.
“Rising energy costs are another burden manufacturers have to account for here in Illinois, and they’re about to see another increase on June 1st,” said TMA Executive Vice President Dennis LaComb. “Instead of being energy exporters, we’re energy importers, even though we have the ability to produce the same energy that we import right here in Illinois. These results show that manufacturers are struggling and want to find a solution—a solution we have available. This doesn’t have to be a nuclear and coal versus renewable energy debate, this should be a conversation around helping lower costs for manufacturers and working families.”
The Citizens Utility Board announced this month that ComEd customers will see a significant “capacity rate” increase starting June 1 due to supply and demand issues.
TMA encourages legislation like HB3604, sponsored by SaMM Caucus Co-Chair State Rep. Dave Vella (D), and SB1527, sponsored by SaMM Caucus member State Senator Sue Rezin (R), which supports nuclear energy production in Illinois.
About TMA: Founded in 1925, TMA is an independent trade association exclusively funded by industry and solely focused on small and midsize manufacturers. TMA has nearly 900 members representing approximately 39,000 manufacturing employees and more than 27 million square feet of manufacturing plant.
