Illinois Utility Restructuring Legislation

Legislation Cite and Date
SB1918 (7/09)
Public Act 90-0561 (11/97)
SB 2235

Low-Income Provisions
"Consumer protections must... ensure all customers receive safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally safe electric service."

Low-Income Rates
Legislation was signed into law July 10, 2009 that creates a percentage of income payment plan (PIPP) for low-income natural gas and electricity consumers. Funding will come from LIHEAP and the existing meter charge that the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (SLEAF) used to provide electric and natural gas bill assistance. Approximately 80 percent of the fund is allocated to rate assistance.

Low-Income Conservation
Approximately 10 percent of the meter charge funds is allocated to low-income conservation targeted to households not served under the federal weatherization program because their dwellings need roof replacements or other major repairs.

Annual Funding (2008)
Rate Assistance: $65 million
Utilities will also make a one-time $22 million contribution toward program costs, along with $9 million in redirected funds from an electric rate relief settlement in 2007.
Conservation: $7 million

Funding Mechanism
Gas and electric customers assessed $0.40 per month per residential account, $4 per month per non-residential account, up to $300 per month for largest accounts.

Administration
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the LIHEAP and WAP grantee.

Pre-Restructuring Funding
Rate Assistance: None
Conservation: None

Page Last Updated: September 24, 2009