Illinois quick hits: Increased energy prices expected; IHSA changes approved

By The Center Square
The Center Square

Increased energy prices expected

The Citizens Utility Board says ComEd customers can expect continued high prices after grid operator PJM Interconnection released the results of a capacity auction to determine the price of reserve power in 2027 and 2028.

The results follow a study from the Illinois Power Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Illinois Commerce Commission finding that if Illinois continues on the current path, even with billions in subsidies for battery storage, the state will face an energy shortage in four years.

Man sentenced for exploitation

A district judge sentenced an Effingham County man to 12 years behind bars after he admitted to exploiting an 89-year-old man out of more than $400,000.

Edward L. Stief, Jr., 42, was also ordered to pay $411,773.51 in restitution.

According to court documents, Stief met the victim in 2023 and used several misrepresentations to convince the victim to appoint him as his Financial and Healthcare Power of Attorney.

IHSA changes approved

Illinois High School Association member schools approved all 12 amendment proposals that appeared on the all-school ballot during the annual by-law referendum process that concluded Monday and was certified Tuesday morning.

Schools approved expansion of the IHSA football playoffs from 32 teams per class to 48 and voted to start the regular season one week earlier.

Members also voted to expand the IHSA Board of Directors from 11 elected members to 15, with four new seats created specifically for superintendents, presidents or heads of school.