A new report shines a light on electricity shortages that Illinois could face in less than 10 years.

The 222-page 2025 Resource Adequacy Study comes from the Illinois Power Agency, the Illinois Commerce Commission, and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

The report is filled with technical terms, but the bottom line for consumers in Illinois is that their electricity bills could soar in the coming years as power is harder to come by.

ComEd crews have been seen replacing old lines and transformers over the past few years to try to keep up with electricity needs.

The new report said in the next five years, demand by ComEd customers will jump 24%, which could mean Illinois may need to outsource power from other states.

The consequence is that electric bills could rise.

How did we get here? Researchers say artificial intelligence is to blame.

They found AI data centers that continue to be built across the state are putting a huge strain on our resources. About 80 data centers operate in Northern Illinois, according to ComEd.

The Citizens Utility Board said electric bills in the Chicago area could rise as much as $70 in the next three years because of data centers. Some cities already have paused the proliferation of data centers, like in west suburban Aurora, which has established a temporary moratorium on new data centers.

Residents of Naperville also spoke out against a data center plan at a city council meeting Tuesday night.

Of course, the centers aren't going anywhere, but the Citizens Utility Board said the way they are regulated, overseen, and billed for energy use are just some examples of issues that need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

 "Without the means to bring a whole bunch of electric supply online as quickly as these data centers are coming online, you see skyrocketing prices as a result," said Citizens Utility Board executive director Sarah Moskowitz.

Meanwhile, the report also says the electrical system in Illinois is likely to face "significant challenges" because of aging coal and gas generators.

So how can Illinois avoid a crisis?

Building new plants is the obvious solution, but that takes time. The report suggests expanding battery storage and promoting energy conservation.

Another solution suggested is to wait a little longer to take natural gas-powered plants offline.

Illinois is supposed to be gas and coal-free by 2050, according to a state law passed a few years ago. It remains an open question as to whether the report puts that goal in jeopardy.

CBS News Chicago has reached out to Gov. JB Pritzker's office to get his take.  

Moskowitz issued this statement on the report:

"This resource adequacy study underscores the urgency to implement the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act, which was passed this year to address the supply-demand imbalance, and to pass additional reforms in 2026 to rein in data centers and protect electricity reliability and affordability. Across the country, our energy systems are facing new pressures, but for years, consumer advocates have sounded the alarm about policy shortcomings from the regional power grid operators, including unacceptable delays in connecting clean and affordable resources to the power grid.  

"Illinois' strong energy policy gives the state a blueprint to tackle our resource adequacy challenges. This study makes clear the need to confront these challenges head-on and remain firmly committed to keeping the lights on at prices we can all afford."

This statement was released by ComEd:

"The Illinois 2025 Resource Adequacy Study confirms what we have been seeing at ComEd: unprecedented growth in the demand for electric power that will clearly require additional energy resources if we are to meet the demands of our customers and communities reliably and affordably. 

"While ComEd is analyzing the report in detail, we remain committed to partnering closely with state leaders, regulators, policymakers, and all stakeholders to advocate for solutions that protect customer affordability and strengthen the grid.  This includes urging an all-of-the-above approach to expanding generation, including expanded solar options and clean energy technologies for customers. These measures will be needed in order to continue advancing the state's climate and economic agenda and to address growing supply costs affecting our customers."

The office of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released this statement:

"The new state resource adequacy report confirms what we have known: rising demand and changes in generation, both in Illinois and across the region, are reshaping the energy landscape. Illinois is prepared, with a strong grid and remains an energy exporter today that continues to deliver reliable power for working families and businesses. 

"Under Governor Pritzker's leadership, the state has acted proactively through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA) — which he intends to sign — to strengthen planning, manage reliability risks, and lower energy costs for working families. Thanks to CEJA, Illinois not only saved our nuclear reactors but also expanded our renewable energy portfolio, resulting in 7,369 MW more power than Illinois would have had without these policies, and another 7,456 MW underdevelopment. CRGA builds on this by adding 3,000 MW of battery storage to the state's resource mix.  At the regional level, the Governor is actively pushing PJM to address rising capacity costs and ensure the grid remains reliable and lower costs for all Illinois working families and businesses.  

"With two strong laws, the state set up a deliberate process to address findings from this resource adequacy study and ensure Illinois continues to lead the country in delivering a clean, reliable, affordable energy future for all."