Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued a disaster proclamation for the entire state in response to the dangerous winter storm that has blanketed the state with life threatening wind chills, power outages and accumulating snow.
As of 10:30 Tuesday morning, approximately 7,000 Illinois households were without power, and that number is expected to fluctuate as the strain of arctic temperatures and extreme weather continues. All Illinois residents are encouraged to take appropriate measures to safely conserve energy.
Extreme weather has resulted in frozen wells in key natural gas producing states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The sub-zero temperatures are resulting in increased demand and decreased supply, causing natural gas prices to spike. Utility companies across the nation are reporting soaring wholesale costs, and without federal intervention, those increased prices could result in higher utility bills for Illinois residents in the coming weeks.
Over the course of the next few days, Governor Pritzker encourages all Illinoisans to check on their neighbors, especially elderly neighbors who may need assistance.
