What US state's governor, JB Pritzker, signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act into law in January 2026?

The US state whose governor, JB Pritzker, signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act into law in January 2026 is Illinois. Governor Pritzker officially enacted the legislation on January 8, 2026, marking a significant step in the state's energy policy. This act is a comprehensive measure designed to address rising electricity costs for residents and businesses while simultaneously strengthening the state's electric grid and accelerating its transition to a clean energy economy.

The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) builds upon previous landmark energy legislation in Illinois, such as the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) and the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The CRGA aims to lower utility bills for working families, with projections indicating it could save Illinois consumers an estimated $13.4 billion over the next two decades. Key components of the act include expanding energy efficiency programs, creating incentives for solar energy and smart technologies, and significantly boosting grid-scale battery storage, with a target of 3 gigawatts by 2030.

Additionally, the legislation initiates a Virtual Power Plant program, which pools energy from smaller, distributed sources like rooftop solar and home batteries to help manage peak demand and reduce overall costs. Another notable provision of the CRGA is the lifting of Illinois' long-standing moratorium on the construction of new, large nuclear power plants, reflecting a strategic move to diversify the state's energy portfolio and ensure long-term reliability. This comprehensive approach positions Illinois as a leader in balancing energy affordability, grid modernization, and clean energy development.