I supported legislation this year to give Illinois consumers a clearer understanding of the fees and surcharges included on their monthly electric bills.
The new law, House Bill 5524, requires the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) to compile information on electric utility fees and make it available in a clear, easy-to-understand format. It will also identify which charges are remitted to the state and which are retained by utility companies, giving consumers a better understanding of how their bills are structured.
Too often, utility bills are filled with fees and charges that aren’t clearly explained. Greater transparency will help consumers better understand where their money is going and provide more accountability for the costs included on their monthly bills.
This legislation received unanimous support in both chambers of the General Assembly before being signed into law by the Governor.
