Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – There’s a problem with Illinois utilities which, CWLP chief utility engineer Doug Brown says, is underreported.

“Except for, just last week, the Chicago Tribune editorial board had an editorial published: ‘An Electricity Crisis is Looming in Illinois: Is Anybody Paying Attention in Springfield?'” Brown told aldermen Tuesday during a CWLP presentation.

“Their concerns are these fossil fuel plants that are being forced to retire by environmental rules and market conditions, and the growth of renewable facilities such as wind and solar — they’re just not making the difference.”

More promising: the lead water line replacement plan, in which Illinois and Springfield are leaders, said CWLP water manager Todd LaFountain.

“We started our lead service replacement program in 2019, well beyond what most water utilities are,” LaFountain said. “Illinois is one of the three most progressive states in terms of lead service line replacements.”