SPRINGFIELD - Lawmakers return to Springfield today to clear away old business before they restart efforts to curb electric power costs, allow for increased cigarette taxes and push other legislation.

After a three-day lame duck session ends Tuesday, the new General Assembly has to start over Wednesday.

In the final days, political turmoil likely will continue to spark debate over Illinois electric rates. Ameren Corp. customers face bills rising by up to 55 percent.

Homeowners can elect to pay interest and take the increases over a three-year period instead of all at once. But House Speaker Mike Madigan is trying to extend the 10-year freeze on rates that expired Jan. 1. Senate President Emil Jones is pushing a different plan to increase prices gradually.

Ameren, which supplies power to much of downstate Illinois, has opposed both, saying a freeze, or even a different phase-in program could lead to a financial blackout. But the political standoff between the two powerful Chicago Democrats leaders could mean neither gets their way.

Some lawmakers will push ahead, though.

"We don't have competition," said state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion. "We have a market that has artificially high market prices."

While homeowners could see their power costs go down if a freeze is extended, smokers might have to come up with more cash to satisfy their habit.

The Senate could debate legislation that would give counties power to tax cigarettes. Now, only Cook County can do so, and they tax smokers $2 per pack.

Under the proposal, counties could add up to $2 to the taxes already imposed on cigarettes. The House signed off on the idea in November by a narrow margin, and Senate approval would send it to the governor.

The measure wouldn't automatically raise cigarette taxes but just give counties the option.

"Whether it will be picked up and used by counties is another matter," said state Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline. "Here in Rock Island, anyway, they don't intend to follow through with it."

The plan originally was pitched by DuPage County officials in the Chicago suburbs. State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, says some lawmakers might balk at letting counties further tax cigarettes. He says some might ask why they should approve it just to help suburban counties that need money for struggling budgets.

"That's a difficult issue for a lot of people," he said.

Provisions to bolster mine safety are among other issues expected to come up.

"The state of Illinois has a good safety record, but there are new things that can still be done," said state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton.

Time is short the legislature to get it all done. A new slate of lawmakers will be sworn in Wednesday.

While some have high hopes for productive final days, others doubt much will be accomplished.

"Mostly, they've called us in so that we can be in session around the inaugural," said state Sen. Bill Brady, a Bloomington Republican. "I hate to be cynical, but I can't think of any other reason why they've got us in there on a Sunday."

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or 789-0865.