Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB5855

Creates the Illinois Renewable Energy Sources Act. Contains provisions concerning the requirement that an electric utility connect an eligible electric generator to the utility's distribution systems between 30 and 60 days after a request by the eligible electric generator. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall establish standards for the interconnection of eligible electric generators with the distribution systems of electric utilities. Provides that electric utilities shall enter into power purchase agreements for a term of not less than 20 years to purchase all electricity from eligible electric generators in the State at specified rates set by the Commission for the following methods of generation: (1) hydroelectric power; (2) landfill gas or sewage treatment gas; (3) biomass or biogas; (4) geothermal energy plants; (5) wind-powered plants; and (6) solar-powered plants. Provides that the Commission shall, after notice and hearing, annually approve a renewable energy factor that shall be a nonbypassable surcharge payable by every customer of an alternative electric supplier, cooperative electric utility, electric utility, or municipal utility. Provides that the Commission shall approve a standard contract to be used in all power purchase agreements under the Act. Provides that the Commission shall review the specified rates every 2 years and adjust those rates as necessary to account for specified factors. Provides that in each of the first 2 years and every 4 years thereafter, the Commission shall file a report with the Governor and General Assembly that shall include specified requirements. Provides that eligible electric generators shall, upon request, provide to the Commission any information that may be relevant to the Commission performing its duties under the Act. Effective immediately.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that for purposes of meeting specified requirements, utilities may enter into contracts with renewable energy generators for a term of up to 20 years. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that notwithstanding specified provisions, a netmetering customer shall be compensated for all gross kilowatt-hours generated using photovoltaic technology at a rate that is 200% of the price the electric service provider would charge that customer for retail kilowatt-hour sales during the same period. Provides that energy efficiency resources shall be integrated into each utility's procurement plan and cost-effective energy efficiency shall be treated as a priority resource. Provides that there is no rulemaking authority under the amendatory Act, but that the Governor may suggest rules by filing them with the General Assembly and requesting that the General Assembly authorize such rulemaking by law, enact the suggested rules into law, or take other appropriate action in the General Assembly's discretion. Effective immediately.