Legislators give small businesses electricity relief

Investing in efficiency can be the difference between a small business keeping the lights on or closing. I should know; I worked on hundreds of these projects last year to save businesses, families and communities money. That’s why Illinois passing the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) is such a big win for businesses across the state.

When I was serving as a firefighter on the North Shore of Chicago, I started seeing how much money was wasted by leaving lights on overnight in the firehouse. I started to think about the small businesses across Illinois that have the same problem. That’s when I quit my job and started my company, Verde Energy Efficiency Experts.

High energy bills are hurting everyone, but my experience has helped me realize how much small businesses are struggling. Business owners must pay higher electricity prices at home and at work. I’ve talked to countless business leaders who have had to bear the burden of these increased costs.

I’m glad the General Assembly has taken a huge step toward relieving the historic electricity prices. I’ve seen the direct solutions that energy incentives provide for shop owners, restaurants, libraries and small businesses. CRGA is an important step to make these programs more accessible to everyone.

Not only will CRGA cut electricity prices, but it invests in businesses and careers like mine. I went from screwing in LEDs myself to leading a team of over 25 electricians, technicians and other skilled workers. I’ve also seen previous staff grow their careers and find new opportunities at ComEd, Resource Innovations, U.S. Solar and Google. The investments from CRGA will help our homegrown clean economy continue to grow. Thank you, Illinois’ legislators, for supporting the small businesses that make up the backbone of Illinois’ economy.

Jamie Johnson

Verde Energy Efficiency Experts

Chicago