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A recent front page Chicago Tribune story (“Electric Bill Shocker,” June 11) warns that coal plant closures are about to cause our electric rates to spike:

“Consumers could see their electricity bills jump an estimated 40 to 60 percent in the next few years.

The reason: Pending environmental regulations will make coal-fired generating plants, which produce about half the nation’s electricity, more expensive to operate. Many are expected to be shuttered.”

Consumers ARE ALREADY GOING TO PAY between “$107 and 178 a year” more beginning in 2014, according to CUB. More will come unless we act.

Illinois legislators have a choice. The Comprehensive Energy Efficiency and Investment Act includes:

• Energy efficiency programs the IPA says will offset residential rate increases
• Solar rooftop support for business and government
• Expanded rate protections for Taylorville and other clean power projects
• 16,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to the University of Illinois
• Extensive MWDBE program for minority contractors

While opponents spread disinformation and use scare tactics, sponsors like Senate President John Cullerton and Representative John Bradley know that SB 1653 is a common sense approach to solving the serious problem of coal plant retirements.

Doing nothing is not an option.

Vote yes on SB 1653, the Comprehensive Energy Efficiency and Investment Act