We Pay for Bad Energy

By Sean Stillmaker in News on Jul 10, 2010 8:00PM

The push for renewable alternative energy resources has been the name of the game since escalating prices and the environmental damage caused by burning fossil fuels. But that did not stop Illinois from voting in favor of the construction of a coal fired power plant that will be one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters in the U.S. Additionally, the Prairie State Energy Campus project cost was announced at $2 billion in 2001 but it has now doubled to $4.4 billion.

The Tribune reported that homeowners will be ones paying the price - largely from the suburbs of Naperville, Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Winnetka. The communities are locked into a 28-year contract where they will see higher electricity rates because of the cost overruns. Through documents obtained it’s estimated that electricity rates can see a 30 percent increase by 2013. The project was designed by Peabody energy, the world’s largest private coal company. In 2001 State Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville told the Southern that the plant’s construction and operation was in the best interest for all. He has also since received over $10,350 in campaign contributions from Peabody, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. The suburban officials have mixed feelings on the project now and are looking into the matter.