Ted Dabrowski, a gubernatorial candidate for Illinois, has expressed concerns over state energy policies, stating that they are raising electricity costs and increasing reliability risks. He advocates for a balanced mix of fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewable energy sources.
“Our state leaders’ energy policy – prematurely closing coal and natural gas plants with the goal of reaching zero emissions – is driving up electricity prices and risking blackouts,” said Dabrowski. “Those high energy prices pass through to almost everything we buy. They’re doing irreparable harm to both homeowners and businesses. We must return to a sensible balance of fossil fuels, nuclear and renewables.”
According to the University of Illinois Extension, the state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) sets long-term goals for achieving a carbon-free electricity system. The act outlines a transition framework that includes coal-plant closures and expanded support for renewable energy and workforce programs. CEJA aims to establish a pathway to carbon-free power while mandating coal plant retirements as part of Illinois’ clean-energy roadmap.
Illinois’ official electric-choice site provides ComEd’s “Price to Compare,” which serves as a standardized benchmark for customers evaluating supply offers. The state explains that this figure combines the electric supply charge and transmission services charge. Currently, ComEd’s combined Price to Compare is listed at 9.689 cents per kWh for the posted effective period. This rate functions as a reference point for households and small businesses assessing whether competitive supply offers are more economical than default service.
National reliability monitoring has identified resource adequacy and energy risks in parts of the Midwest during peak conditions. It emphasizes that extreme demand coupled with generator outages can tighten operating reserves and elevate reliability risk. Separate filings related to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) footprint cite the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s (NERC) risk designations, highlighting the need to address retirements and demand growth to maintain adequacy.
Dabrowski is known as a conservative policy researcher and reform-minded candidate in Illinois. He previously served as president of Wirepoints and vice president of policy at the Illinois Policy Institute. His background in banking and finance informs his focus on costs, competitiveness, and affordability within state governance.
