The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Illinois’ leading small business advocacy organization, recently joined a petition calling on the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to “terminate or suspend the Future of Natural Gas proceeding, including all workshops and issues associated with decarbonization of the gas distribution system….”

“Illinois’ electricity grids are already under immense strain from the closure of power plants and increasing demand. It’s unreasonable for the state to spend taxpayer dollars discussing a phase-out of natural gas as an energy source,” said NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley. “Taking away energy options from small business owners and forcing them onto an overloaded grid will only drive up electricity prices and make Illinois less affordable for residents and businesses.”

A recent study by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Power Agency, and the Illinois Commerce Commission outlined a sobering outlook for Illinois’ electricity markets. According to the report, Illinois’ electricity grids “are projected to face capacity shortfalls over the coming decade unless additional capacity resources are developed.”

The ICC’s website notes that the Future of Gas proceedings are “to explore issues tied to decarbonization of the gas distribution system, including how the gas system may need to adapt.”

NFIB has been a consistent voice on this issue. State Director Noah Finley recently published an opinion editorial about the need for energy choices, not rate hikes, for small businesses. Last year NFIB urged the Illinois Commerce Commission not to ban natural gas.

In a recent ballot of NFIB members in Illinois, 98% were opposed to governmental action to “limit or ban the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels.”

According to NFIB’s latest Small Business Energy Survey, about 80% of small business owners reported that energy costs across all major energy sources significantly (very or moderately) impact their businesses.