Consumer advocates, Illinois lawmakers target ‘unnecessary’ utility costs

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Energy consumer advocates are urging support for legislation they say will save Illinoisans from paying for hidden utility expenses.

During a news conference at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday, Bryan McDaniel of the Citizens Utility Board said ratepayers could save $40 million a year if they did not cover expenses that have no consumer benefit.

“Rather, they advance the agendas of Illinois utilities and increase their political power,” McDaniel said.

State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, said House Bill 4781 and Senate Bill 3497 would hold utility companies accountable and help lower electric, gas and water bills.

“It’s hard to believe, but when we pay our monthly bills we are bankrolling utility memberships in trade associations that push the utilities’ anti-consumer agenda,” Mah said.

Mah said ratepayers are also covering utility insurance policies, goodwill advertising and outside lawyers.

State Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, D-Western Springs, said energy bills have doubled for some of her constituents.

“What we should be doing is delivering energy to homes and businesses, not asking people to pay for extra things that don’t do that,” Glowiak Hilton said.

Glowiak Hilton filed SB 3497 earlier this month.

“That’s what this legislation is about. It’s about putting real guardrails in place so utilities can’t quietly shift unnecessary costs onto the very people they are supposed to be serving,” Glowiak Hilton said.

An Ameren Illinois spokesperson said the utility recognizes its responsibility to keep bills as low as possible.

“Every dollar we spend is reviewed by the Illinois Commerce Commission in an open and transparent regulatory proceeding, as required by state law. Some of the costs targeted by this legislation are critical to helping make customers aware of beneficial programs and resources that help them manage their bills,” the Ameren spokesperson said in a statement to The Center Square.

The Center Square also reached out to ComEd, Aqua Illinois, Illinois American Water and Peoples Gas, but the companies did not respond before publication.