Your utility bill may be higher than it needs to be — and Illinois lawmakers want to change that.

Why it matters: While utilities such as ComEd and People's Gas are not allowed to mark up the cost of electricity and heat, alternative suppliers can, driving up consumers' bills.

Driving the news: As state lawmakers return to Springfield this week, one bill they could take up is HB 4313, known as the "No More Utility Bill Rip-Offs Customer Protection Act."

State of play: Most people don't look closely at their monthly bill, and even if they do, they probably don't know what a kilowatt or therm is or how they affect their bill.

• A kilowatt is the unit of measure for electricity and a therm is how gas is measured.
• ComEd's current rate is 9.66 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), so if you used 1,000 kWh in a month, it would cost about $96 in supply charges.

How it works: The legislation requires alternative utility suppliers to report rate changes from the previous year, and prohibits these companies from paying salespeople solely on commission, which would push them to close deals even when it's against consumers' interests.

Zoom in: CUB offers a helpful explanation of each section of an average bill.

• They also offer free bill analysis and host workshops.

The bottom line: Lawmakers will have to balance consumer protection concerns with energy suppliers' interests as they consider the bill.

Other utility changes on the horizon

Chicagoans said their final goodbyes to Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was laid to rest on Saturday after a private ceremony at Rainbow PUSH headquarters in Kenwood.

• The weekend was full of tributes to the civil rights leader, including remarks from former President Barack Obama:

"Each day, we're told by those in high office to fear each other and to turn on each other, and that some Americans count more than others, and that some don't even count at all. We see that, and it's hard to hope in those moments. It may be tempting to get discouraged…to maybe just put your head down and wait for the storm to pass. But this man, Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, inspires us to take a harder path. His voice calls on each of us to be heralds of change…not for fame, not for glory…but because it gives our life purpose…and because if we don't step up, no one else will."

What's next: What should the city do to memorialize Jackson?

The Chicago Bears will look different this year as the team makes tough roster moves in the hopes of improving.

The latest: The Bears freed up salary cap space by trading star WR DJ Moore and releasing defensive captain Tremaine Edmunds.

• They also lost 27-year-old Pro-Bowl center Drew Dalman, who retired unexpectedly.

State of play: The moves give the Bears nearly $44 million to spend in free agency to upgrade the roster.

• Teams can begin signing new players on Wednesday.

Here's who the Bears could land in free agency:

Trey Hendrickson (Defensive End)

Now that big names like Maxx Crosby and Khalil Mack are off the table, the Bears have to move quickly on securing a top free-agent edge rusher.

Zoom in: Trey Hendrickson has been linked to the Bears, but he is looking for a payday of over $35 million a season.

Best bet: General Manager Ryan Poles loves a bargain, so look for aging veterans like Joey Bosa, Leonard Floyd and Bradley Chubb to be in the mix.

Taylor Decker (Left Tackle)

The unexpected loss of Pro Bowl center Dalman forced the team to acquire Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.

Reality check: The Bears still need to secure a left tackle. They could move quickly to sign aging veteran Taylor Decker, who was a salary-cap casualty in Detroit.

• Coach Ben Johnson is familiar with the stout lineman.

Three more free agent targets

🗓️ The Obama Presidential Center will open to the public on Juneteenth, Obama announced Saturday. Tickets go on sale in May. (Tribune)

🏠 Metro Chicago is short nearly 225,000 affordable housing units for the lowest-income households, a new study finds. (Sun-Times)

💃🏼 Chicago police are investigating a dispute between Ballet Folklorico de Chicago and neighbors in Avondale after the dance studio's owner accused the neighbors of throwing liquid on dancers and making threats. (WGN)

👋 Hi, it's Carrie!

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago means two things for many people: Dyeing the river green and drinking beer.

Driving the news: Chicago's Local Style Chips is celebrating the holiday with a new flavor that combines both traditions, plus a chance to win a special, salty prize.

State of play: "Lucky bags" of Green Beer chips join Local Style's other flavors, which include Classic Salted, Italian Beef, Hot Giardiniera, Hot Dog and Deep Dish.

The contest: Munchers can enter a drawing for more chips by posting a photo of themselves with green chips on social media, tagging @localstylechips and DMing them a screenshot.

Taste test: They taste like an IPA-ified chip, with a bit of a sour note that turns into a more hoppy, salty flavor.

The verdict: I'm not a huge beer drinker, but every once in a while I definitely crave a good cold craft beer that packs a hoppy punch, and these fit the bill. Plus, no hangover!

Where to find Local Style Chips

Our big election extravaganza is taking place this Wednesday at the Hideout!

• Due to popular demand, the Hideout has opened up an extra block of tickets for our rapid-fire interview show that will feature major candidates from several races.

Jump on 'em fast! Doors open at 6pm; show starts promptly at 6:30pm.