According to a press release, Illinois business leaders recently gathered at S&C Electric Company to support the Illinois Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (Senate Bill 1652), and called on the General Assembly to override the Governor's veto of the legislation this fall.

S&C Electric Company's Smart Grid Solutions Demonstration Center, one of the only such centers in the United States that utilizes actual smart-grid devices on simulated utility distribution circuits, played host to representatives from diverse field of business who voiced their full support for the act.

The business leaders said that Senate Bill 1652, which will usher a $2.6 billion investment to strengthen and modernize Illinois' aging electric infrastructure, will tout the significant job creation and economic development. The bill has already been passed in chambers of the Illinois General Assembly in May.

“Businesses and consumers alike depend on reliable electric delivery, and a modern smart grid is necessary to avoid outages that cost local businesses money and hurt their ability to compete,” said John Estey, president and CEO of S&C Electric Company, in a statement. “When businesses evaluate where to expand or open new facilities, a major point of consideration is whether the local infrastructure will support their needs. A modern grid will position Illinois to attract new business and new jobs.”

“Senate Bill 1652 represents a solution at a time when we are looking for new ways to jumpstart the Illinois economy,” said Jerry Roper, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. “When enacted, this bill will create 2,500 real jobs in the manufacturing and service industries. It will also set the stage for a new clean energy sector that will bring investment, business, and talent to Illinois. The legislature has a tremendous opportunity to move Illinois forward by making Senate Bill 1652 a reality.”

“Senate Bill 1652 provides an unprecedented opportunity to spark the clean energy economy in Illinois at a time when Illinois needs the jobs and economic development most,” said Jack Darin, Illinois Chapter Director of the Sierra Club.

Rahul Arora is a TMCnet contributor. He has worked as an editor and freelance writer for several reputed organizations in India. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell