Prairie State Wire

GOP gubernatorial candidate Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) is warning of potential rolling blackouts in Illinois.

“As if the rising price of gas and other goods and services were not enough for Illinois families to face, rolling blackouts could be looming this summer as a direct result of the Clean Energy Jobs Act,” Bailey said.  

“Demand for electricity is going up but thanks to Illinois’ radical environmental policies, utility companies are reluctant to invest in traditional energy plants which is creating a shortage amidst growing demand," Bailey said. "Not only are costs going to increase, but there could be rolling black outs. The transition to renewable energy needs to be market-driven and needs to happen over a long period of time. Forcing changes in the energy sector is dangerous and yet this is what the governor along with his allies in the House and the Senate, such as [Sen.] Sue Rezin and [Rep.] David Welter, who supported [Gov. J.B.] Pritzker’s reckless energy plan.”

"Not surprisingly, they both are supporting far-left [Aurora Mayor] Richard Irvin in the race for governor," Bailey said. "Illinois needs real leadership on energy issues. Unlike Richard Irvin and J.B. Pritzker, my energy policy will be based on what is in the best interest of Illinois residents – not on political ideology. I am committed to ensuring that all Illinois residents have access to the reliable, accessible, and affordable energy they need and deserve.”

Bailey voted against the Clean Energy Jobs Act over fears it would increase energy prices and hurt working families.

Blackouts in Illinois are feared after the North American Electric Reliability Corp. issued a warning over the stability if the Midwest's grid system, according to City Journal.

The overseer has wanted of “increased risk of temporary, controlled outages to maintain system reliability,” City Journal reported.

In February, Pritzker signed a bill that would offline all of that state's fuel-powered electric plants in favor of non-renewables by 2045, Electrek reported. Critics have called the plan unrealistic.

Bailey has a significant lead in the polls on Jesse Sullivan, McHenry County businessman Gary Rabine, Max Solomon and former state Sen. Paul Schimpf. His only real competition in the race appears to be Irvin, who has been roundly criticized for his Democrat voting history and questions of political ethics.

The primary election will be held on June 28.