summary
Introduced
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
In Committee
04/28/2026
04/28/2026
Crossed Over
04/17/2026
04/17/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Rates Article of the Public Utilities Act. Provides that when any public utility providing electric, gas, water, or sewer service proposes a general rate increase, in addition to other notice requirements, the public utility must notify its customers of their right to request a public forum. Provides that a customer or group of customers must make a written request to the Illinois Commerce Commission for the public forum. Provides that the Commission, at its discretion, shall schedule the public forum unless it is determined that the Commission does not have adequate staff or financial resources or that the public forum cannot be convened in a timely manner. Requires the public utility, to the best of the public utility's ability, to provide advance notice of 30 days for each public forum to the governing bodies of any units of local government affected by the proposed general rate increase. Provides that reports and comments made during or as a result of each public forum must be made available to the hearing officials and reviewed when drafting a recommended or tentative decision, finding, or order. Removes similar language from the provisions of the Service Obligations and Conditions Article of the Public Utilities Act. Makes other changes. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill, effective January 1, 2027, amends the Public Utilities Act to enhance customer participation in general rate increase proceedings for electric, gas, water, or sewer utilities. When a utility proposes a general rate increase, it must inform customers of their right to request a public forum, a meeting where customers can voice concerns. Customers must submit a written request to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), the state agency that regulates utilities, for such a forum. The ICC will schedule the public forum at its discretion, unless it lacks the necessary staff or financial resources or cannot convene it in a timely manner. The utility is required to provide at least 30 days' advance notice of the public forum to local government bodies affected by the proposed rate increase, and efforts will be made to select a day and location that encourages maximum public participation. Any reports or comments made during or as a result of these public forums will be provided to and considered by the officials making decisions on the rate increase. This new provision applies to utilities serving 15,000 or more customers as of January 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (7)
Nabeela Syed (D)*,
Ram Villivalam (D)*,
Sharon Chung (D),
Amy Elik (R),
Laura Faver Dias (D),
Norma Hernandez (D),
Omar Williams (D),
Last Action
Assigned to Energy and Public Utilities (on 04/28/2026)
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