GENERAL RATE INCREASE HEARINGS

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.

Status

Passed

Signed or otherwise enacted

Status date

Jun 26, 2026

139 days ago

Current chamber

House of Representatives

Session

2025-2026 Regular Session