Dive Brief:
- Controversy is bubbling up in Illinois, where Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to take funds collected for energy efficiency and use them in the state's general fund to help solve the budget crisis, Midwest Energy News reports.
- The move could, at least temporarily, halt efficiency rebates which critics of Rauner's plan say are required by law to be used for energy efficiency.
- In January, Rauner ordered a freeze of all state discretionary spending to address the state's budgetary woes.
Dive Insight:
Since taking office in January, Gov. Rauner has been struggling to get the state's finances under control, following what he called “years of bad decisions." But Midwest Energy News reports extensively that Rauner has proposed taking funds collected for energy efficiency and renewables, and using those as a part of the state's general fund.
The problem, say critics, is that those funds are statutorily directed to be used for energy efficiency and renewables programs, as they are collected from utility customers via monthly bills. The plan targets about $175 million collected for the programs, and would shift that money from the state's Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
“The governor is doing something that is improper and illegal…it’s just inexcusable,” Midwest Energy News quoted Robert Kelter, energy efficiency program manager for the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
The move, which could mean rebates for solar investments are delayed, appears contrary to what many had hoped would be a focus on energy efficiency and renewables from Rauner's office. His transition team, before he took office, released a report on the state's priorities and noted that clean energy would be a focus of his term.
The report called on Illinois to develop a long-term plan "that balances traditional energy, renewable energy, and energy efficiency; improves investment in energy infrastructure; and supports innovation in the energy sector."
