Bill > HB2392

This bill amends the Public Utilities Act to require a referendum for the acquisition of a water or sewer utility owned by the State or a political subdivision of the State by a large public utility (defined as an investor-owned public utility that regularly provides water or sewer service to more than 30,000 customer connections). The referendum would allow electors within the service area of the water or sewer utility to vote on whether the large public utility can acquire the utility under the published terms. The bill also outlines the procedures for the large public utility to establish the ratemaking rate base of the acquired water or sewer utility, including the use of appraisals and the treatment of post-acquisition improvements. The bill is effective immediately.