GENERAL RATE INCREASE HEARINGS

From the Legislature

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that, for any general rate increase requested by a gas, electric, water, or sewer public utility company under the provisions of the Act, and upon request from any ratepayer affected by the requested general rate increase or any group with members affected by the requested general rate increase, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall hold at least one in-person public hearing during which members of the public can provide input on the requested general rate increase. Provides that any ratepayer affected by a requested general rate increase or group with members affected by a requested general rate increase may testify at the public hearing and may file statements that pertain to the subject matter of the public hearing with the person or persons conducting the public hearing. Provides that a public hearing shall be held in the service territory of the public utility that requested a general rate increase at a time and location to be determined by the Commission. Requires the Commission to comply with certain requirements when determining the location of a public hearing. Provides that the Commission shall provide reasonable notice to the ratepayers affected by a requested general rate increase and any groups with members affected by a requested general rate increase regarding a public hearing under the amendatory provisions. Provides that "reasonable notice" means notice that is provided at least 30 calendar days before a public hearing and that is given to the public and to each customer of the applicable gas, electric, water, or sewer public utility company. Provides that the gas, electric, water, or sewer public utility company shall provide notice of a ratepayer's right to request a public hearing, including a description of the ratepayer's right, to all customers potentially affected by a requested general rate increase in the first bill that is sent to each applicable customer after the filing of the requested general rate increase. Sets forth requirements for the notice. Makes other changes.