[The following is a paid advertisement.]

In less than a generation, revolutions in technology have transformed the way we live work and do business. Our economy relies on fast and reliable movement of goods, people and data 24/7. Uninterrupted and efficient electricity supply is more important than ever.

Businesses, institutions and consumers are demanding greater levels of reliability and new technologies to manage energy use. States that invest in a modern electric grid will be primed to compete in the 21st century economy. States that don’t, won’t.

Illinois cannot fall behind. We must create policies that break down the barriers keeping Illinois from modernizing its grid for the benfit of Illinois residents and businesses.

The INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION ACT would unlock billions in economic development, create thousands of jobs and position Illinois in the top-tier of state-based Smart Grid development. The legislation would update a century old regulatory process to both protect consumers and assure that Illinois utilities are investing, innovating and preparing our grid to compete in the new digitized world of commerce.

The INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION ACT (HB 14-1) is exactly the kind of bold action Illinois needs right now. Our future depends on it.