Prairie State Wire

A Chicago Tribune editorial suggested that Illinois politicians would be wise to seek ways to justify the state's regulations given Texas' recent energy crisis.

Policymakers across Illinois have long resisted the thought of regulations, including ignoring recommendations that the state requires utility companies to winterize power grid equipment. And now, to add insult to injury, Texas residents are being hit with astronomical utility bills as unregulated providers hike rates when people are most vulnerable.

"Politicians, who rule Illinois could point to the deadly energy crisis in Texas and say, 'Do you see why regulations are needed? Do you realize the value of investing in government and infrastructure,'" the editorial stated. "You get what you pay for."

At least 49 people died during the Texas winter storm crisis, including an 11-year-old boy who froze to death in his bed after his mobile home went at least 48 hours without electricity. Yet, there has barely been a mention of the tragedy coming from Illinois politicians.

The bad weather affected utility service to nearly 5 million residents in Texas. Some were forced to go without power for as long as five days.

Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has been keeping a close watch.

"I think what happened in Texas should be an alarm bell for all of us," Quinn said. "It's very important that we ask the Illinois Commerce Commission what exactly our major utilities are doing with respect to resiliency."

Quinn is a lifelong consumer advocate who helped establish the Citizens Utility Board in Illinois nearly four decades ago.