Bill Status of SB3717

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SB3717 - 104th General Assembly

LOW-INCOME UTILITY RATES
Last Action
2/17/2026 - Senate: Assigned to Appropriations
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Adriane Johnson
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance
220 ILCS 5/9-241from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 9-241
305 ILCS 20/6from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 1406
305 ILCS 20/13
Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning nondiscrimination, provides that the Commission is authorized to approve a low-income discount rate for residential electric and natural gas customers that applies to the entirety of a qualifying customer's bill, including, but not limited to, a qualifying customer's delivery service charges and energy supply charges. Provides that an electric or natural gas utility may fund low-income discount rates through a surcharge on customers' electric and natural gas bills. Provides that the changes to the Act apply retroactively on and after January 1, 2023. Amends the Energy Assistance Act. In provisions concerning eligibility under the Act, provides that, in setting the annual eligibility level for the use of State funds from the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity shall consider the amount of available funding and may not set a limit higher than 300% of the federal nonfarm poverty level. In provisions concerning the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund, provides that the yearly administrative expenses of the Fund may not exceed 15% (rather than 13%) of the amount collected during that year, except when unspent funds from the Fund are reallocated from a previous year. Provides that any unspent balance of the 15% administrative allowance may be utilized for administrative expenses in the year they are reallocated. Provides that, of the 15% administrative allowance, no less than 9% (rather than 8%) shall be provided to Local Administrative Agencies for administrative expenses. Provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, the Base Energy Assistance Charge shall be $0.80 per month for each utility that is required by the Illinois Commerce Commission to implement a low-income discount rate and shall be $0.40 per month for each utility that is not required to implement a low-income discount rate and that contributes to the Supplemental Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund. Makes other changes.
Actions
Date Chamber Action
2/05/2026 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Adriane Johnson
2/05/2026 Senate First Reading
2/05/2026 Senate Referred to Assignments
2/17/2026 Senate Assigned to Appropriations
3/13/2026 Senate Rule 2-10 Committee Deadline Established As April 24, 2026