Wand News

Summary

Some believe thermal energy networks should be included in the energy omnibus plan. These networks use water filled pipes and geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool neighborhoods.

Experts told the Senate Public Utilities Committee Thursday this technology is six times more efficient than a gas furnace and more than twice as efficient as a standard heat pump.

"They remove dependence on volatile fossil fuel sources, they do not emit pollution, and they can keep pipeline workers and families sustaining jobs," said Yami Newell from the Building Decarbonization Coalition.

Newell argued Illinois should allow utilities to pilot these networks and finance them through the state's climate bank. Eight states have passed laws allowing or mandating utilities implement local thermal energy.

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