Rep. Brandon W. Phelps

Filed: 11/6/2014

 

 


 

 


 
09800HB3975ham001LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1
AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 3975

2    AMENDMENT NO. ______. Amend House Bill 3975 by replacing
3everything after the enacting clause with the following:
 
4    "Section 5. The Public Utilities Act is amended by changing
5Section 16-108.5 as follows:
 
6    (220 ILCS 5/16-108.5)
7    Sec. 16-108.5. Infrastructure investment and
8modernization; regulatory reform.
9    (a) (Blank).
10    (b) For purposes of this Section, "participating utility"
11means an electric utility or a combination utility serving more
12than 1,000,000 customers in Illinois that voluntarily elects
13and commits to undertake (i) the infrastructure investment
14program consisting of the commitments and obligations
15described in this subsection (b) and (ii) the customer
16assistance program consisting of the commitments and

 

 

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1obligations described in subsection (b-10) of this Section,
2notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act and without
3obtaining any approvals from the Commission or any other agency
4other than as set forth in this Section, regardless of whether
5any such approval would otherwise be required. "Combination
6utility" means a utility that, as of January 1, 2011, provided
7electric service to at least one million retail customers in
8Illinois and gas service to at least 500,000 retail customers
9in Illinois. A participating utility shall recover the
10expenditures made under the infrastructure investment program
11through the ratemaking process, including, but not limited to,
12the performance-based formula rate and process set forth in
13this Section.
14    During the infrastructure investment program's peak
15program year, a participating utility other than a combination
16utility shall create 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs in
17Illinois, and a participating utility that is a combination
18utility shall create 450 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois
19related to the provision of electric service. These jobs shall
20include direct jobs, contractor positions, and induced jobs,
21but shall not include any portion of a job commitment, not
22specifically contingent on an amendatory Act of the 97th
23General Assembly becoming law, between a participating utility
24and a labor union that existed on the effective date of this
25amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly and that has not
26yet been fulfilled. A portion of the full-time equivalent jobs

 

 

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1created by each participating utility shall include
2incremental personnel hired subsequent to the effective date of
3this amendatory Act of the 97th General Assembly. For purposes
4of this Section, "peak program year" means the consecutive
512-month period with the highest number of full-time equivalent
6jobs that occurs between the beginning of investment year 2 and
7the end of investment year 4.
8    A participating utility shall meet one of the following
9commitments, as applicable:
10        (1) Beginning no later than 180 days after a
11    participating utility other than a combination utility
12    files a performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to
13    subsection (c) of this Section, or, beginning no later than
14    January 1, 2012 if such utility files such
15    performance-based formula rate tariff within 14 days of the
16    effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General
17    Assembly, the participating utility shall, except as
18    provided in subsection (b-5):
19            (A) over a 5-year period, invest an estimated
20        $1,300,000,000 in electric system upgrades,
21        modernization projects, and training facilities,
22        including, but not limited to:
23                (i) distribution infrastructure improvements
24            totaling an estimated $1,000,000,000, including
25            underground residential distribution cable
26            injection and replacement and mainline cable

 

 

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1            system refurbishment and replacement projects;
2                (ii) training facility construction or upgrade
3            projects totaling an estimated $10,000,000,
4            provided that, at a minimum, one such facility
5            shall be located in a municipality having a
6            population of more than 2 million residents and one
7            such facility shall be located in a municipality
8            having a population of more than 150,000 residents
9            but fewer than 170,000 residents; any such new
10            facility located in a municipality having a
11            population of more than 2 million residents must be
12            designed for the purpose of obtaining, and the
13            owner of the facility shall apply for,
14            certification under the United States Green
15            Building Council's Leadership in Energy Efficiency
16            Design Green Building Rating System;
17                (iii) wood pole inspection, treatment, and
18            replacement programs;
19                (iv) an estimated $200,000,000 for reducing
20            the susceptibility of certain circuits to
21            storm-related damage, including, but not limited
22            to, high winds, thunderstorms, and ice storms;
23            improvements may include, but are not limited to,
24            overhead to underground conversion and other
25            engineered outcomes for circuits; the
26            participating utility shall prioritize the

 

 

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1            selection of circuits based on each circuit's
2            historical susceptibility to storm-related damage
3            and the ability to provide the greatest customer
4            benefit upon completion of the improvements; to be
5            eligible for improvement, the participating
6            utility's ability to maintain proper tree
7            clearances surrounding the overhead circuit must
8            not have been impeded by third parties; and
9            (B) over a 10-year period, invest an estimated
10        $1,300,000,000 to upgrade and modernize its
11        transmission and distribution infrastructure and in
12        Smart Grid electric system upgrades, including, but
13        not limited to:
14                (i) additional smart meters;
15                (ii) distribution automation;
16                (iii) associated cyber secure data
17            communication network; and
18                (iv) substation micro-processor relay
19            upgrades.
20        (2) Beginning no later than 180 days after a
21    participating utility that is a combination utility files a
22    performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to
23    subsection (c) of this Section, or, beginning no later than
24    January 1, 2012 if such utility files such
25    performance-based formula rate tariff within 14 days of the
26    effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General

 

 

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1    Assembly, the participating utility shall, except as
2    provided in subsection (b-5):
3            (A) over a 10-year period, invest an estimated
4        $265,000,000 in electric system upgrades,
5        modernization projects, and training facilities,
6        including, but not limited to:
7                (i) distribution infrastructure improvements
8            totaling an estimated $245,000,000, which may
9            include bulk supply substations, transformers,
10            reconductoring, and rebuilding overhead
11            distribution and sub-transmission lines,
12            underground residential distribution cable
13            injection and replacement and mainline cable
14            system refurbishment and replacement projects;
15                (ii) training facility construction or upgrade
16            projects totaling an estimated $1,000,000; any
17            such new facility must be designed for the purpose
18            of obtaining, and the owner of the facility shall
19            apply for, certification under the United States
20            Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy
21            Efficiency Design Green Building Rating System;
22            and
23                (iii) wood pole inspection, treatment, and
24            replacement programs; and
25            (B) over a 10-year period, invest an estimated
26        $360,000,000 to upgrade and modernize its transmission

 

 

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1        and distribution infrastructure and in Smart Grid
2        electric system upgrades, including, but not limited
3        to:
4                (i) additional smart meters;
5                (ii) distribution automation;
6                (iii) associated cyber secure data
7            communication network; and
8                (iv) substation micro-processor relay
9            upgrades.
10    For purposes of this Section, "Smart Grid electric system
11upgrades" shall have the meaning set forth in subsection (a) of
12Section 16-108.6 of this Act.
13    The investments in the infrastructure investment program
14described in this subsection (b) shall be incremental to the
15participating utility's annual capital investment program, as
16defined by, for purposes of this subsection (b), the
17participating utility's average capital spend for calendar
18years 2008, 2009, and 2010 as reported in the applicable
19Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Form 1; provided
20that where one or more utilities have merged, the average
21capital spend shall be determined using the aggregate of the
22merged utilities' capital spend reported in FERC Form 1 for the
23years 2008, 2009, and 2010. A participating utility may add
24reasonable construction ramp-up and ramp-down time to the
25investment periods specified in this subsection (b). For each
26such investment period, the ramp-up and ramp-down time shall

 

 

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1not exceed a total of 6 months.
2    Within 60 days after filing a tariff under subsection (c)
3of this Section, a participating utility shall submit to the
4Commission its plan, including scope, schedule, and staffing,
5for satisfying its infrastructure investment program
6commitments pursuant to this subsection (b). The submitted plan
7shall include a schedule and staffing plan for the next
8calendar year. The plan shall also include a plan for the
9creation, operation, and administration of a Smart Grid test
10bed as described in subsection (c) of Section 16-108.8. The
11plan need not allocate the work equally over the respective
12periods, but should allocate material increments throughout
13such periods commensurate with the work to be undertaken. No
14later than April 1 of each subsequent year, the utility shall
15submit to the Commission a report that includes any updates to
16the plan, a schedule for the next calendar year, the
17expenditures made for the prior calendar year and cumulatively,
18and the number of full-time equivalent jobs created for the
19prior calendar year and cumulatively. If the utility is
20materially deficient in satisfying a schedule or staffing plan,
21then the report must also include a corrective action plan to
22address the deficiency. The fact that the plan, implementation
23of the plan, or a schedule changes shall not imply the
24imprudence or unreasonableness of the infrastructure
25investment program, plan, or schedule. Further, no later than
2645 days following the last day of the first, second, and third

 

 

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1quarters of each year of the plan, a participating utility
2shall submit to the Commission a verified quarterly report for
3the prior quarter that includes (i) the total number of
4full-time equivalent jobs created during the prior quarter,
5(ii) the total number of employees as of the last day of the
6prior quarter, (iii) the total number of full-time equivalent
7hours in each job classification or job title, (iv) the total
8number of incremental employees and contractors in support of
9the investments undertaken pursuant to this subsection (b) for
10the prior quarter, and (v) any other information that the
11Commission may require by rule.
12    With respect to the participating utility's peak job
13commitment, if, after considering the utility's corrective
14action plan and compliance thereunder, the Commission enters an
15order finding, after notice and hearing, that a participating
16utility did not satisfy its peak job commitment described in
17this subsection (b) for reasons that are reasonably within its
18control, then the Commission shall also determine, after
19consideration of the evidence, including, but not limited to,
20evidence submitted by the Department of Commerce and Economic
21Opportunity and the utility, the deficiency in the number of
22full-time equivalent jobs during the peak program year due to
23such failure. The Commission shall notify the Department of any
24proceeding that is initiated pursuant to this paragraph. For
25each full-time equivalent job deficiency during the peak
26program year that the Commission finds as set forth in this

 

 

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1paragraph, the participating utility shall, within 30 days
2after the entry of the Commission's order, pay $6,000 to a fund
3for training grants administered under Section 605-800 of The
4Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law, which
5shall not be a recoverable expense.
6    With respect to the participating utility's investment
7amount commitments, if, after considering the utility's
8corrective action plan and compliance thereunder, the
9Commission enters an order finding, after notice and hearing,
10that a participating utility is not satisfying its investment
11amount commitments described in this subsection (b), then the
12utility shall no longer be eligible to annually update the
13performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to subsection
14(d) of this Section. In such event, the then current rates
15shall remain in effect until such time as new rates are set
16pursuant to Article IX of this Act, subject to retroactive
17adjustment, with interest, to reconcile rates charged with
18actual costs.
19    If the Commission finds that a participating utility is no
20longer eligible to update the performance-based formula rate
21tariff pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section, or the
22performance-based formula rate is otherwise terminated, then
23the participating utility's voluntary commitments and
24obligations under this subsection (b) shall immediately
25terminate, except for the utility's obligation to pay an amount
26already owed to the fund for training grants pursuant to a

 

 

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1Commission order.
2    In meeting the obligations of this subsection (b), to the
3extent feasible and consistent with State and federal law, the
4investments under the infrastructure investment program should
5provide employment opportunities for all segments of the
6population and workforce, including minority-owned and
7female-owned business enterprises, and shall not, consistent
8with State and federal law, discriminate based on race or
9socioeconomic status.
10    (b-5) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the Commission
11from investigating the prudence and reasonableness of the
12expenditures made under the infrastructure investment program
13during the annual review required by subsection (d) of this
14Section and shall, as part of such investigation, determine
15whether the utility's actual costs under the program are
16prudent and reasonable. The fact that a participating utility
17invests more than the minimum amounts specified in subsection
18(b) of this Section or its plan shall not imply imprudence or
19unreasonableness.
20    If the participating utility finds that it is implementing
21its plan for satisfying the infrastructure investment program
22commitments described in subsection (b) of this Section at a
23cost below the estimated amounts specified in subsection (b) of
24this Section, then the utility may file a petition with the
25Commission requesting that it be permitted to satisfy its
26commitments by spending less than the estimated amounts

 

 

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1specified in subsection (b) of this Section. The Commission
2shall, after notice and hearing, enter its order approving, or
3approving as modified, or denying each such petition within 150
4days after the filing of the petition.
5    In no event, absent General Assembly approval, shall the
6capital investment costs incurred by a participating utility
7other than a combination utility in satisfying its
8infrastructure investment program commitments described in
9subsection (b) of this Section exceed $3,000,000,000 or, for a
10participating utility that is a combination utility,
11$720,000,000. If the participating utility's updated cost
12estimates for satisfying its infrastructure investment program
13commitments described in subsection (b) of this Section exceed
14the limitation imposed by this subsection (b-5), then it shall
15submit a report to the Commission that identifies the increased
16costs and explains the reason or reasons for the increased
17costs no later than the year in which the utility estimates it
18will exceed the limitation. The Commission shall review the
19report and shall, within 90 days after the participating
20utility files the report, report to the General Assembly its
21findings regarding the participating utility's report. If the
22General Assembly does not amend the limitation imposed by this
23subsection (b-5), then the utility may modify its plan so as
24not to exceed the limitation imposed by this subsection (b-5)
25and may propose corresponding changes to the metrics
26established pursuant to subparagraphs (5) through (8) of

 

 

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1subsection (f) of this Section, and the Commission may modify
2the metrics and incremental savings goals established pursuant
3to subsection (f) of this Section accordingly.
4    (b-10) All participating utilities shall make
5contributions for an energy low-income and support program in
6accordance with this subsection. Beginning no later than 180
7days after a participating utility files a performance-based
8formula rate tariff pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section,
9or beginning no later than January 1, 2012 if such utility
10files such performance-based formula rate tariff within 14 days
11of the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th
12General Assembly, and without obtaining any approvals from the
13Commission or any other agency other than as set forth in this
14Section, regardless of whether any such approval would
15otherwise be required, a participating utility other than a
16combination utility shall pay $10,000,000 per year for 5 years
17and a participating utility that is a combination utility shall
18pay $1,000,000 per year for 10 years to the energy low-income
19and support program, which is intended to fund customer
20assistance programs with the primary purpose being avoidance of
21imminent disconnection. Such programs may include:
22        (1) a residential hardship program that may partner
23    with community-based organizations, including senior
24    citizen organizations, and provides grants to low-income
25    residential customers, including low-income senior
26    citizens, who demonstrate a hardship;

 

 

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1        (2) a program that provides grants and other bill
2    payment concessions to disabled veterans who demonstrate a
3    hardship and members of the armed services or reserve
4    forces of the United States or members of the Illinois
5    National Guard who are on active duty pursuant to an
6    executive order of the President of the United States, an
7    act of the Congress of the United States, or an order of
8    the Governor and who demonstrate a hardship;
9        (3) a budget assistance program that provides tools and
10    education to low-income senior citizens to assist them with
11    obtaining information regarding energy usage and effective
12    means of managing energy costs;
13        (4) a non-residential special hardship program that
14    provides grants to non-residential customers such as small
15    businesses and non-profit organizations that demonstrate a
16    hardship, including those providing services to senior
17    citizen and low-income customers; and
18        (5) a performance-based assistance program that
19    provides grants to encourage residential customers to make
20    on-time payments by matching a portion of the customer's
21    payments or providing credits towards arrearages.
22    The payments made by a participating utility pursuant to
23this subsection (b-10) shall not be a recoverable expense. A
24participating utility may elect to fund either new or existing
25customer assistance programs, including, but not limited to,
26those that are administered by the utility.

 

 

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1    Programs that use funds that are provided by a
2participating utility to reduce utility bills may be
3implemented through tariffs that are filed with and reviewed by
4the Commission. If a utility elects to file tariffs with the
5Commission to implement all or a portion of the programs, those
6tariffs shall, regardless of the date actually filed, be deemed
7accepted and approved, and shall become effective on the
8effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General
9Assembly. The participating utilities whose customers benefit
10from the funds that are disbursed as contemplated in this
11Section shall file annual reports documenting the disbursement
12of those funds with the Commission. The Commission has the
13authority to audit disbursement of the funds to ensure they
14were disbursed consistently with this Section.
15    If the Commission finds that a participating utility is no
16longer eligible to update the performance-based formula rate
17tariff pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section, or the
18performance-based formula rate is otherwise terminated, then
19the participating utility's voluntary commitments and
20obligations under this subsection (b-10) shall immediately
21terminate.
22    (c) A participating utility may elect to recover its
23delivery services costs through a performance-based formula
24rate approved by the Commission, which shall specify the cost
25components that form the basis of the rate charged to customers
26with sufficient specificity to operate in a standardized manner

 

 

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1and be updated annually with transparent information that
2reflects the utility's actual costs to be recovered during the
3applicable rate year, which is the period beginning with the
4first billing day of January and extending through the last
5billing day of the following December. In the event the utility
6recovers a portion of its costs through automatic adjustment
7clause tariffs on the effective date of this amendatory Act of
8the 97th General Assembly, the utility may elect to continue to
9recover these costs through such tariffs, but then these costs
10shall not be recovered through the performance-based formula
11rate. In the event the participating utility, prior to the
12effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General
13Assembly, filed electric delivery services tariffs with the
14Commission pursuant to Section 9-201 of this Act that are
15related to the recovery of its electric delivery services costs
16that are still pending on the effective date of this amendatory
17Act of the 97th General Assembly, the participating utility
18shall, at the time it files its performance-based formula rate
19tariff with the Commission, also file a notice of withdrawal
20with the Commission to withdraw the electric delivery services
21tariffs previously filed pursuant to Section 9-201 of this Act.
22Upon receipt of such notice, the Commission shall dismiss with
23prejudice any docket that had been initiated to investigate the
24electric delivery services tariffs filed pursuant to Section
259-201 of this Act, and such tariffs and the record related
26thereto shall not be the subject of any further hearing,

 

 

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1investigation, or proceeding of any kind related to rates for
2electric delivery services.
3    The performance-based formula rate shall be implemented
4through a tariff filed with the Commission consistent with the
5provisions of this subsection (c) that shall be applicable to
6all delivery services customers. The Commission shall initiate
7and conduct an investigation of the tariff in a manner
8consistent with the provisions of this subsection (c) and the
9provisions of Article IX of this Act to the extent they do not
10conflict with this subsection (c). Except in the case where the
11Commission finds, after notice and hearing, that a
12participating utility is not satisfying its investment amount
13commitments under subsection (b) of this Section, the
14performance-based formula rate shall remain in effect at the
15discretion of the utility. The performance-based formula rate
16approved by the Commission shall do the following:
17        (1) Provide for the recovery of the utility's actual
18    costs of delivery services that are prudently incurred and
19    reasonable in amount consistent with Commission practice
20    and law. The sole fact that a cost differs from that
21    incurred in a prior calendar year or that an investment is
22    different from that made in a prior calendar year shall not
23    imply the imprudence or unreasonableness of that cost or
24    investment.
25        (2) Reflect the utility's actual year-end capital
26    structure for the applicable calendar year, excluding

 

 

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1    goodwill, subject to a determination of prudence and
2    reasonableness consistent with Commission practice and
3    law.
4        (3) Include a cost of equity, which shall be calculated
5    as the sum of the following:
6            (A) the average for the applicable calendar year of
7        the monthly average yields of 30-year U.S. Treasury
8        bonds published by the Board of Governors of the
9        Federal Reserve System in its weekly H.15 Statistical
10        Release or successor publication; and
11            (B) 580 basis points.
12        At such time as the Board of Governors of the Federal
13    Reserve System ceases to include the monthly average yields
14    of 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds in its weekly H.15
15    Statistical Release or successor publication, the monthly
16    average yields of the U.S. Treasury bonds then having the
17    longest duration published by the Board of Governors in its
18    weekly H.15 Statistical Release or successor publication
19    shall instead be used for purposes of this paragraph (3).
20        (4) Permit and set forth protocols, subject to a
21    determination of prudence and reasonableness consistent
22    with Commission practice and law, for the following:
23            (A) recovery of incentive compensation expense
24        that is based on the achievement of operational
25        metrics, including metrics related to budget controls,
26        outage duration and frequency, safety, customer

 

 

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1        service, efficiency and productivity, and
2        environmental compliance. Incentive compensation
3        expense that is based on net income or an affiliate's
4        earnings per share shall not be recoverable under the
5        performance-based formula rate;
6            (B) recovery of pension and other post-employment
7        benefits expense, provided that such costs are
8        supported by an actuarial study;
9            (C) recovery of severance costs, provided that if
10        the amount is over $3,700,000 for a participating
11        utility that is a combination utility or $10,000,000
12        for a participating utility that serves more than 3
13        million retail customers, then the full amount shall be
14        amortized consistent with subparagraph (F) of this
15        paragraph (4);
16            (D) investment return at a rate equal to the
17        utility's weighted average cost of long-term debt, on
18        the pension assets as, and in the amount, reported in
19        Account 186 (or in such other Account or Accounts as
20        such asset may subsequently be recorded) of the
21        utility's most recently filed FERC Form 1, net of
22        deferred tax benefits;
23            (E) recovery of the expenses related to the
24        Commission proceeding under this subsection (c) to
25        approve this performance-based formula rate and
26        initial rates or to subsequent proceedings related to

 

 

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1        the formula, provided that the recovery shall be
2        amortized over a 3-year period; recovery of expenses
3        related to the annual Commission proceedings under
4        subsection (d) of this Section to review the inputs to
5        the performance-based formula rate shall be expensed
6        and recovered through the performance-based formula
7        rate;
8            (F) amortization over a 5-year period of the full
9        amount of each charge or credit that exceeds $3,700,000
10        for a participating utility that is a combination
11        utility or $10,000,000 for a participating utility
12        that serves more than 3 million retail customers in the
13        applicable calendar year and that relates to a
14        workforce reduction program's severance costs, changes
15        in accounting rules, changes in law, compliance with
16        any Commission-initiated audit, or a single storm or
17        other similar expense, provided that any unamortized
18        balance shall be reflected in rate base. For purposes
19        of this subparagraph (F), changes in law includes any
20        enactment, repeal, or amendment in a law, ordinance,
21        rule, regulation, interpretation, permit, license,
22        consent, or order, including those relating to taxes,
23        accounting, or to environmental matters, or in the
24        interpretation or application thereof by any
25        governmental authority occurring after the effective
26        date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General

 

 

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1        Assembly;
2            (G) recovery of existing regulatory assets over
3        the periods previously authorized by the Commission;
4            (H) historical weather normalized billing
5        determinants; and
6            (I) allocation methods for common costs.
7        (5) Provide that if the participating utility's earned
8    rate of return on common equity related to the provision of
9    delivery services for the prior rate year (calculated using
10    costs and capital structure approved by the Commission as
11    provided in subparagraph (2) of this subsection (c),
12    consistent with this Section, in accordance with
13    Commission rules and orders, including, but not limited to,
14    adjustments for goodwill, and after any Commission-ordered
15    disallowances and taxes) is more than 50 basis points
16    higher than the rate of return on common equity calculated
17    pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection (c) (after
18    adjusting for any penalties to the rate of return on common
19    equity applied pursuant to the performance metrics
20    provision of subsection (f) of this Section), then the
21    participating utility shall apply a credit through the
22    performance-based formula rate that reflects an amount
23    equal to the value of that portion of the earned rate of
24    return on common equity that is more than 50 basis points
25    higher than the rate of return on common equity calculated
26    pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection (c) (after

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 22 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1    adjusting for any penalties to the rate of return on common
2    equity applied pursuant to the performance metrics
3    provision of subsection (f) of this Section) for the prior
4    rate year, adjusted for taxes. If the participating
5    utility's earned rate of return on common equity related to
6    the provision of delivery services for the prior rate year
7    (calculated using costs and capital structure approved by
8    the Commission as provided in subparagraph (2) of this
9    subsection (c), consistent with this Section, in
10    accordance with Commission rules and orders, including,
11    but not limited to, adjustments for goodwill, and after any
12    Commission-ordered disallowances and taxes) is more than
13    50 basis points less than the return on common equity
14    calculated pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection (c)
15    (after adjusting for any penalties to the rate of return on
16    common equity applied pursuant to the performance metrics
17    provision of subsection (f) of this Section), then the
18    participating utility shall apply a charge through the
19    performance-based formula rate that reflects an amount
20    equal to the value of that portion of the earned rate of
21    return on common equity that is more than 50 basis points
22    less than the rate of return on common equity calculated
23    pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection (c) (after
24    adjusting for any penalties to the rate of return on common
25    equity applied pursuant to the performance metrics
26    provision of subsection (f) of this Section) for the prior

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 23 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1    rate year, adjusted for taxes.
2        (6) Provide for an annual reconciliation, as described
3    in subsection (d) of this Section, with interest, of the
4    revenue requirement reflected in rates for each calendar
5    year, beginning with the calendar year in which the utility
6    files its performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant
7    to subsection (c) of this Section, with what the revenue
8    requirement would have been had the actual cost information
9    for the applicable calendar year been available at the
10    filing date.
11    The utility shall file, together with its tariff, final
12data based on its most recently filed FERC Form 1, plus
13projected plant additions and correspondingly updated
14depreciation reserve and expense for the calendar year in which
15the tariff and data are filed, that shall populate the
16performance-based formula rate and set the initial delivery
17services rates under the formula. For purposes of this Section,
18"FERC Form 1" means the Annual Report of Major Electric
19Utilities, Licensees and Others that electric utilities are
20required to file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
21under the Federal Power Act, Sections 3, 4(a), 304 and 209,
22modified as necessary to be consistent with 83 Ill. Admin. Code
23Part 415 as of May 1, 2011. Nothing in this Section is intended
24to allow costs that are not otherwise recoverable to be
25recoverable by virtue of inclusion in FERC Form 1.
26    After the utility files its proposed performance-based

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 24 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1formula rate structure and protocols and initial rates, the
2Commission shall initiate a docket to review the filing. The
3Commission shall enter an order approving, or approving as
4modified, the performance-based formula rate, including the
5initial rates, as just and reasonable within 270 days after the
6date on which the tariff was filed, or, if the tariff is filed
7within 14 days after the effective date of this amendatory Act
8of the 97th General Assembly, then by May 31, 2012. Such review
9shall be based on the same evidentiary standards, including,
10but not limited to, those concerning the prudence and
11reasonableness of the costs incurred by the utility, the
12Commission applies in a hearing to review a filing for a
13general increase in rates under Article IX of this Act. The
14initial rates shall take effect within 30 days after the
15Commission's order approving the performance-based formula
16rate tariff.
17    Until such time as the Commission approves a different rate
18design and cost allocation pursuant to subsection (e) of this
19Section, rate design and cost allocation across customer
20classes shall be consistent with the Commission's most recent
21order regarding the participating utility's request for a
22general increase in its delivery services rates.
23    Subsequent changes to the performance-based formula rate
24structure or protocols shall be made as set forth in Section
259-201 of this Act, but nothing in this subsection (c) is
26intended to limit the Commission's authority under Article IX

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 25 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1and other provisions of this Act to initiate an investigation
2of a participating utility's performance-based formula rate
3tariff, provided that any such changes shall be consistent with
4paragraphs (1) through (6) of this subsection (c). Any change
5ordered by the Commission shall be made at the same time new
6rates take effect following the Commission's next order
7pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section, provided that the
8new rates take effect no less than 30 days after the date on
9which the Commission issues an order adopting the change.
10    A participating utility that files a tariff pursuant to
11this subsection (c) must submit a one-time $200,000 filing fee
12at the time the Chief Clerk of the Commission accepts the
13filing, which shall be a recoverable expense.
14    In the event the performance-based formula rate is
15terminated, the then current rates shall remain in effect until
16such time as new rates are set pursuant to Article IX of this
17Act, subject to retroactive rate adjustment, with interest, to
18reconcile rates charged with actual costs. At such time that
19the performance-based formula rate is terminated, the
20participating utility's voluntary commitments and obligations
21under subsection (b) of this Section shall immediately
22terminate, except for the utility's obligation to pay an amount
23already owed to the fund for training grants pursuant to a
24Commission order issued under subsection (b) of this Section.
25    (d) Subsequent to the Commission's issuance of an order
26approving the utility's performance-based formula rate

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 26 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1structure and protocols, and initial rates under subsection (c)
2of this Section, the utility shall file, on or before May 1 of
3each year, with the Chief Clerk of the Commission its updated
4cost inputs to the performance-based formula rate for the
5applicable rate year and the corresponding new charges. Each
6such filing shall conform to the following requirements and
7include the following information:
8        (1) The inputs to the performance-based formula rate
9    for the applicable rate year shall be based on final
10    historical data reflected in the utility's most recently
11    filed annual FERC Form 1 plus projected plant additions and
12    correspondingly updated depreciation reserve and expense
13    for the calendar year in which the inputs are filed. The
14    filing shall also include a reconciliation of the revenue
15    requirement that was in effect for the prior rate year (as
16    set by the cost inputs for the prior rate year) with the
17    actual revenue requirement for the prior rate year
18    (determined using a year-end rate base) that uses amounts
19    reflected in the applicable FERC Form 1 that reports the
20    actual costs for the prior rate year. Any over-collection
21    or under-collection indicated by such reconciliation shall
22    be reflected as a credit against, or recovered as an
23    additional charge to, respectively, with interest
24    calculated at a rate equal to the utility's weighted
25    average cost of capital approved by the Commission for the
26    prior rate year, the charges for the applicable rate year.

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 27 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1    Provided, however, that the first such reconciliation
2    shall be for the calendar year in which the utility files
3    its performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to
4    subsection (c) of this Section and shall reconcile (i) the
5    revenue requirement or requirements established by the
6    rate order or orders in effect from time to time during
7    such calendar year (weighted, as applicable) with (ii) the
8    revenue requirement determined using a year-end rate base
9    for that calendar year calculated pursuant to the
10    performance-based formula rate using (A) actual costs for
11    that year as reflected in the applicable FERC Form 1, and
12    (B) for the first such reconciliation only, the cost of
13    equity, which shall be calculated as the sum of 590 basis
14    points plus the average for the applicable calendar year of
15    the monthly average yields of 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds
16    published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
17    System in its weekly H.15 Statistical Release or successor
18    publication. The first such reconciliation is not intended
19    to provide for the recovery of costs previously excluded
20    from rates based on a prior Commission order finding of
21    imprudence or unreasonableness. Each reconciliation shall
22    be certified by the participating utility in the same
23    manner that FERC Form 1 is certified. The filing shall also
24    include the charge or credit, if any, resulting from the
25    calculation required by paragraph (6) of subsection (c) of
26    this Section.

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 28 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1        Notwithstanding anything that may be to the contrary,
2    the intent of the reconciliation is to ultimately reconcile
3    the revenue requirement reflected in rates for each
4    calendar year, beginning with the calendar year in which
5    the utility files its performance-based formula rate
6    tariff pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, with
7    what the revenue requirement determined using a year-end
8    rate base for the applicable calendar year would have been
9    had the actual cost information for the applicable calendar
10    year been available at the filing date.
11        (2) The new charges shall take effect beginning on the
12    first billing day of the following January billing period
13    and remain in effect through the last billing day of the
14    next December billing period regardless of whether the
15    Commission enters upon a hearing pursuant to this
16    subsection (d).
17        (3) The filing shall include relevant and necessary
18    data and documentation for the applicable rate year that is
19    consistent with the Commission's rules applicable to a
20    filing for a general increase in rates or any rules adopted
21    by the Commission to implement this Section. Normalization
22    adjustments shall not be required. Notwithstanding any
23    other provision of this Section or Act or any rule or other
24    requirement adopted by the Commission, a participating
25    utility that is a combination utility with more than one
26    rate zone shall not be required to file a separate set of

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 29 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1    such data and documentation for each rate zone and may
2    combine such data and documentation into a single set of
3    schedules.
4    Within 45 days after the utility files its annual update of
5cost inputs to the performance-based formula rate, the
6Commission shall have the authority, either upon complaint or
7its own initiative, but with reasonable notice, to enter upon a
8hearing concerning the prudence and reasonableness of the costs
9incurred by the utility to be recovered during the applicable
10rate year that are reflected in the inputs to the
11performance-based formula rate derived from the utility's FERC
12Form 1. During the course of the hearing, each objection shall
13be stated with particularity and evidence provided in support
14thereof, after which the utility shall have the opportunity to
15rebut the evidence. Discovery shall be allowed consistent with
16the Commission's Rules of Practice, which Rules shall be
17enforced by the Commission or the assigned hearing examiner.
18The Commission shall apply the same evidentiary standards,
19including, but not limited to, those concerning the prudence
20and reasonableness of the costs incurred by the utility, in the
21hearing as it would apply in a hearing to review a filing for a
22general increase in rates under Article IX of this Act. The
23Commission shall not, however, have the authority in a
24proceeding under this subsection (d) to consider or order any
25changes to the structure or protocols of the performance-based
26formula rate approved pursuant to subsection (c) of this

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 30 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1Section. In a proceeding under this subsection (d), the
2Commission shall enter its order no later than the earlier of
3240 days after the utility's filing of its annual update of
4cost inputs to the performance-based formula rate or December
531. The Commission's determinations of the prudence and
6reasonableness of the costs incurred for the applicable
7calendar year shall be final upon entry of the Commission's
8order and shall not be subject to reopening, reexamination, or
9collateral attack in any other Commission proceeding, case,
10docket, order, rule or regulation, provided, however, that
11nothing in this subsection (d) shall prohibit a party from
12petitioning the Commission to rehear or appeal to the courts
13the order pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
14    In the event the Commission does not, either upon complaint
15or its own initiative, enter upon a hearing within 45 days
16after the utility files the annual update of cost inputs to its
17performance-based formula rate, then the costs incurred for the
18applicable calendar year shall be deemed prudent and
19reasonable, and the filed charges shall not be subject to
20reopening, reexamination, or collateral attack in any other
21proceeding, case, docket, order, rule, or regulation.
22    A participating utility's first filing of the updated cost
23inputs, and any Commission investigation of such inputs
24pursuant to this subsection (d) shall proceed notwithstanding
25the fact that the Commission's investigation under subsection
26(c) of this Section is still pending and notwithstanding any

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 31 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1other law, order, rule, or Commission practice to the contrary.
2    (e) Nothing in subsections (c) or (d) of this Section shall
3prohibit the Commission from investigating, or a participating
4utility from filing, revenue-neutral tariff changes related to
5rate design of a performance-based formula rate that has been
6placed into effect for the utility. Following approval of a
7participating utility's performance-based formula rate tariff
8pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, the utility shall
9make a filing with the Commission within one year after the
10effective date of the performance-based formula rate tariff
11that proposes changes to the tariff to incorporate the findings
12of any final rate design orders of the Commission applicable to
13the participating utility and entered subsequent to the
14Commission's approval of the tariff. The Commission shall,
15after notice and hearing, enter its order approving, or
16approving with modification, the proposed changes to the
17performance-based formula rate tariff within 240 days after the
18utility's filing. Following such approval, the utility shall
19make a filing with the Commission during each subsequent 3-year
20period that either proposes revenue-neutral tariff changes or
21re-files the existing tariffs without change, which shall
22present the Commission with an opportunity to suspend the
23tariffs and consider revenue-neutral tariff changes related to
24rate design.
25    (f) Within 30 days after the filing of a tariff pursuant to
26subsection (c) of this Section, each participating utility

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 32 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1shall develop and file with the Commission multi-year metrics
2designed to achieve, ratably (i.e., in equal segments) over a
310-year period, improvement over baseline performance values
4as follows:
5        (1) Twenty percent improvement in the System Average
6    Interruption Frequency Index, using a baseline of the
7    average of the data from 2001 through 2010.
8        (2) Fifteen percent improvement in the system Customer
9    Average Interruption Duration Index, using a baseline of
10    the average of the data from 2001 through 2010.
11        (3) For a participating utility other than a
12    combination utility, 20% improvement in the System Average
13    Interruption Frequency Index for its Southern Region,
14    using a baseline of the average of the data from 2001
15    through 2010. For purposes of this paragraph (3), Southern
16    Region shall have the meaning set forth in the
17    participating utility's most recent report filed pursuant
18    to Section 16-125 of this Act.
19        (3.5) For a participating utility other than a
20    combination utility, 20% improvement in the System Average
21    Interruption Frequency Index for its Northeastern Region,
22    using a baseline of the average of the data from 2001
23    through 2010. For purposes of this paragraph (3.5),
24    Northeastern Region shall have the meaning set forth in the
25    participating utility's most recent report filed pursuant
26    to Section 16-125 of this Act.

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 33 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1        (4) Seventy-five percent improvement in the total
2    number of customers who exceed the service reliability
3    targets as set forth in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of
4    paragraph (4) of subsection (b) of 83 Ill. Admin. Code Part
5    411.140 as of May 1, 2011, using 2010 as the baseline year.
6        (5) Reduction in issuance of estimated electric bills:
7    90% improvement for a participating utility other than a
8    combination utility, and 56% improvement for a
9    participating utility that is a combination utility, using
10    a baseline of the average number of estimated bills for the
11    years 2008 through 2010.
12        (6) Consumption on inactive meters: 90% improvement
13    for a participating utility other than a combination
14    utility, and 56% improvement for a participating utility
15    that is a combination utility, using a baseline of the
16    average unbilled kilowatthours for the years 2009 and 2010.
17        (7) Unaccounted for energy: 50% improvement for a
18    participating utility other than a combination utility
19    using a baseline of the non-technical line loss unaccounted
20    for energy kilowatthours for the year 2009.
21        (8) Uncollectible expense: reduce uncollectible
22    expense by at least $30,000,000 for a participating utility
23    other than a combination utility and by at least $3,500,000
24    for a participating utility that is a combination utility,
25    using a baseline of the average uncollectible expense for
26    the years 2008 through 2010.

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 34 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1        (9) Opportunities for minority-owned and female-owned
2    business enterprises: design a performance metric
3    regarding the creation of opportunities for minority-owned
4    and female-owned business enterprises consistent with
5    State and federal law using a base performance value of the
6    percentage of the participating utility's capital
7    expenditures that were paid to minority-owned and
8    female-owned business enterprises in 2010.
9    The definitions set forth in 83 Ill. Admin. Code Part
10411.20 as of May 1, 2011 shall be used for purposes of
11calculating performance under paragraphs (1) through (3.5) of
12this subsection (f), provided, however, that the participating
13utility may exclude up to 9 extreme weather event days from
14such calculation for each year, and provided further that the
15participating utility shall exclude 9 extreme weather event
16days when calculating each year of the baseline period to the
17extent that there are 9 such days in a given year of the
18baseline period. For purposes of this Section, an extreme
19weather event day is a 24-hour calendar day (beginning at 12:00
20a.m. and ending at 11:59 p.m.) during which any weather event
21(e.g., storm, tornado) caused interruptions for 10,000 or more
22of the participating utility's customers for 3 hours or more.
23If there are more than 9 extreme weather event days in a year,
24then the utility may choose no more than 9 extreme weather
25event days to exclude, provided that the same extreme weather
26event days are excluded from each of the calculations performed

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 35 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1under paragraphs (1) through (3.5) of this subsection (f).
2    The metrics shall include incremental performance goals
3for each year of the 10-year period, which shall be designed to
4demonstrate that the utility is on track to achieve the
5performance goal in each category at the end of the 10-year
6period. The utility shall elect when the 10-year period shall
7commence for the metrics set forth in subparagraphs (1) through
8(4) and (9) of this subsection (f), provided that it begins no
9later than 14 months following the date on which the utility
10begins investing pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section,
11and when the 10-year period shall commence for the metrics set
12forth in subparagraphs (5) through (8) of this subsection (f),
13provided that it begins no later than 14 months following the
14date on which the Commission enters its order approving the
15utility's Advanced Metering Infrastructure Deployment Plan
16pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 16-108.6 of this Act.
17    The metrics and performance goals set forth in
18subparagraphs (5) through (8) of this subsection (f) are based
19on the assumptions that the participating utility may fully
20implement the technology described in subsection (b) of this
21Section, including utilizing the full functionality of such
22technology and that there is no requirement for personal
23on-site notification. If the utility is unable to meet the
24metrics and performance goals set forth in subparagraphs (5)
25through (8) of this subsection (f) for such reasons, and the
26Commission so finds after notice and hearing, then the utility

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 36 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1shall be excused from compliance, but only to the limited
2extent achievement of the affected metrics and performance
3goals was hindered by the less than full implementation.
4    (f-5) The financial penalties applicable to the metrics
5described in subparagraphs (1) through (8) of subsection (f) of
6this Section, as applicable, shall be applied through an
7adjustment to the participating utility's return on equity of
8no more than a total of 30 basis points in each of the first 3
9years, of no more than a total of 34 basis points in each of the
103 years thereafter, and of no more than a total of 38 basis
11points in each of the 4 years thereafter, as follows:
12        (1) With respect to each of the incremental annual
13    performance goals established pursuant to paragraph (1) of
14    subsection (f) of this Section,
15            (A) for each year that a participating utility
16        other than a combination utility does not achieve the
17        annual goal, the participating utility's return on
18        equity shall be reduced as follows: during years 1
19        through 3, by 5 basis points; during years 4 through 6,
20        by 6 basis points; and during years 7 through 10, by 7
21        basis points; and
22            (B) for each year that a participating utility that
23        is a combination utility does not achieve the annual
24        goal, the participating utility's return on equity
25        shall be reduced as follows: during years 1 through 3,
26        by 10 basis points; during years 4 through 6, by 12

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 37 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1        basis points; and during years 7 through 10, by 14
2        basis points.
3        (2) With respect to each of the incremental annual
4    performance goals established pursuant to paragraph (2) of
5    subsection (f) of this Section, for each year that the
6    participating utility does not achieve each such goal, the
7    participating utility's return on equity shall be reduced
8    as follows: during years 1 through 3, by 5 basis points;
9    during years 4 through 6, by 6 basis points; and during
10    years 7 through 10, by 7 basis points.
11        (3) With respect to each of the incremental annual
12    performance goals established pursuant to paragraphs (3)
13    and (3.5) of subsection (f) of this Section, for each year
14    that a participating utility other than a combination
15    utility does not achieve both such goals, the participating
16    utility's return on equity shall be reduced as follows:
17    during years 1 through 3, by 5 basis points; during years 4
18    through 6, by 6 basis points; and during years 7 through
19    10, by 7 basis points.
20        (4) With respect to each of the incremental annual
21    performance goals established pursuant to paragraph (4) of
22    subsection (f) of this Section, for each year that the
23    participating utility does not achieve each such goal, the
24    participating utility's return on equity shall be reduced
25    as follows: during years 1 through 3, by 5 basis points;
26    during years 4 through 6, by 6 basis points; and during

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 38 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1    years 7 through 10, by 7 basis points.
2        (5) With respect to each of the incremental annual
3    performance goals established pursuant to subparagraph (5)
4    of subsection (f) of this Section, for each year that the
5    participating utility does not achieve at least 95% of each
6    such goal, the participating utility's return on equity
7    shall be reduced by 5 basis points for each such unachieved
8    goal.
9        (6) With respect to each of the incremental annual
10    performance goals established pursuant to paragraphs (6),
11    (7), and (8) of subsection (f) of this Section, as
12    applicable, which together measure non-operational
13    customer savings and benefits relating to the
14    implementation of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure
15    Deployment Plan, as defined in Section 16-108.6 of this
16    Act, the performance under each such goal shall be
17    calculated in terms of the percentage of the goal achieved.
18    The percentage of goal achieved for each of the goals shall
19    be aggregated, and an average percentage value calculated,
20    for each year of the 10-year period. If the utility does
21    not achieve an average percentage value in a given year of
22    at least 95%, the participating utility's return on equity
23    shall be reduced by 5 basis points.
24    The financial penalties shall be applied as described in
25this subsection (f-5) for the 12-month period in which the
26deficiency occurred through a separate tariff mechanism, which

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 39 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1shall be filed by the utility together with its metrics. In the
2event the formula rate tariff established pursuant to
3subsection (c) of this Section terminates, the utility's
4obligations under subsection (f) of this Section and this
5subsection (f-5) shall also terminate, provided, however, that
6the tariff mechanism established pursuant to subsection (f) of
7this Section and this subsection (f-5) shall remain in effect
8until any penalties due and owing at the time of such
9termination are applied.
10    The Commission shall, after notice and hearing, enter an
11order within 120 days after the metrics are filed approving, or
12approving with modification, a participating utility's tariff
13or mechanism to satisfy the metrics set forth in subsection (f)
14of this Section. On June 1 of each subsequent year, each
15participating utility shall file a report with the Commission
16that includes, among other things, a description of how the
17participating utility performed under each metric and an
18identification of any extraordinary events that adversely
19impacted the utility's performance. Whenever a participating
20utility does not satisfy the metrics required pursuant to
21subsection (f) of this Section, the Commission shall, after
22notice and hearing, enter an order approving financial
23penalties in accordance with this subsection (f-5). The
24Commission-approved financial penalties shall be applied
25beginning with the next rate year. Nothing in this Section
26shall authorize the Commission to reduce or otherwise obviate

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 40 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1the imposition of financial penalties for failing to achieve
2one or more of the metrics established pursuant to subparagraph
3(1) through (4) of subsection (f) of this Section.
4    (g) On or before July 31, 2014, each participating utility
5shall file a report with the Commission that sets forth the
6average annual increase in the average amount paid per
7kilowatthour for residential eligible retail customers,
8exclusive of the effects of energy efficiency programs,
9comparing the 12-month period ending May 31, 2012; the 12-month
10period ending May 31, 2013; and the 12-month period ending May
1131, 2014. For a participating utility that is a combination
12utility with more than one rate zone, the weighted average
13aggregate increase shall be provided. The report shall be filed
14together with a statement from an independent auditor attesting
15to the accuracy of the report. The cost of the independent
16auditor shall be borne by the participating utility and shall
17not be a recoverable expense. "The average amount paid per
18kilowatthour" shall be based on the participating utility's
19tariffed rates actually in effect and shall not be calculated
20using any hypothetical rate or adjustments to actual charges
21(other than as specified for energy efficiency) as an input.
22    In the event that the average annual increase exceeds 2.5%
23as calculated pursuant to this subsection (g), then Sections
2416-108.5, 16-108.6, 16-108.7, and 16-108.8 of this Act, other
25than this subsection, shall be inoperative as they relate to
26the utility and its service area as of the date of the report

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 41 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1due to be submitted pursuant to this subsection and the utility
2shall no longer be eligible to annually update the
3performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to subsection
4(d) of this Section. In such event, the then current rates
5shall remain in effect until such time as new rates are set
6pursuant to Article IX of this Act, subject to retroactive
7adjustment, with interest, to reconcile rates charged with
8actual costs, and the participating utility's voluntary
9commitments and obligations under subsection (b) of this
10Section shall immediately terminate, except for the utility's
11obligation to pay an amount already owed to the fund for
12training grants pursuant to a Commission order issued under
13subsection (b) of this Section.
14    In the event that the average annual increase is 2.5% or
15less as calculated pursuant to this subsection (g), then the
16performance-based formula rate shall remain in effect as set
17forth in this Section.
18    For purposes of this Section, the amount per kilowatthour
19means the total amount paid for electric service expressed on a
20per kilowatthour basis, and the total amount paid for electric
21service includes without limitation amounts paid for supply,
22transmission, distribution, surcharges, and add-on taxes
23exclusive of any increases in taxes or new taxes imposed after
24the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 97th General
25Assembly. For purposes of this Section, "eligible retail
26customers" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16-111.5

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 42 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1of this Act.
2    The fact that this Section becomes inoperative as set forth
3in this subsection shall not be construed to mean that the
4Commission may reexamine or otherwise reopen prudence or
5reasonableness determinations already made.
6    (h) Sections 16-108.5, 16-108.6, 16-108.7, and 16-108.8 of
7this Act, other than this subsection, are inoperative after
8December 31, 2019 2017 for every participating utility, after
9which time a participating utility shall no longer be eligible
10to annually update the performance-based formula rate tariff
11pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section. At such time, the
12then current rates shall remain in effect until such time as
13new rates are set pursuant to Article IX of this Act, subject
14to retroactive adjustment, with interest, to reconcile rates
15charged with actual costs.
16    By December 31, 2017, the Commission shall prepare and file
17with the General Assembly a report on the infrastructure
18program and the performance-based formula rate. The report
19shall include the change in the average amount per kilowatthour
20paid by residential customers between June 1, 2011 and May 31,
212017. If the change in the total average rate paid exceeds 2.5%
22compounded annually, the Commission shall include in the report
23an analysis that shows the portion of the change due to the
24delivery services component and the portion of the change due
25to the supply component of the rate. The report shall include
26separate sections for each participating utility.

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 43 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1    In the event Sections 16-108.5, 16-108.6, 16-108.7, and
216-108.8 of this Act do not become inoperative after December
331, 2019 2017, then these Sections are inoperative after
4December 31, 2022 for every participating utility, after which
5time a participating utility shall no longer be eligible to
6annually update the performance-based formula rate tariff
7pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section. At such time, the
8then current rates shall remain in effect until such time as
9new rates are set pursuant to Article IX of this Act, subject
10to retroactive adjustment, with interest, to reconcile rates
11charged with actual costs.
12    The fact that this Section becomes inoperative as set forth
13in this subsection shall not be construed to mean that the
14Commission may reexamine or otherwise reopen prudence or
15reasonableness determinations already made.
16    (i) While a participating utility may use, develop, and
17maintain broadband systems and the delivery of broadband
18services, voice-over-internet-protocol services,
19telecommunications services, and cable and video programming
20services for use in providing delivery services and Smart Grid
21functionality or application to its retail customers,
22including, but not limited to, the installation,
23implementation and maintenance of Smart Grid electric system
24upgrades as defined in Section 16-108.6 of this Act, a
25participating utility is prohibited from offering to its retail
26customers broadband services or the delivery of broadband

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 44 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1services, voice-over-internet-protocol services,
2telecommunications services, or cable or video programming
3services, unless they are part of a service directly related to
4delivery services or Smart Grid functionality or applications
5as defined in Section 16-108.6 of this Act, and from recovering
6the costs of such offerings from retail customers.
7    (j) Nothing in this Section is intended to legislatively
8overturn the opinion issued in Commonwealth Edison Co. v. Ill.
9Commerce Comm'n, Nos. 2-08-0959, 2-08-1037, 2-08-1137,
101-08-3008, 1-08-3030, 1-08-3054, 1-08-3313 cons. (Ill. App.
11Ct. 2d Dist. Sept. 30, 2010). This amendatory Act of the 97th
12General Assembly shall not be construed as creating a contract
13between the General Assembly and the participating utility, and
14shall not establish a property right in the participating
15utility.
16    (k) The changes made in subsections (c) and (d) of this
17Section by this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly are
18intended to be a restatement and clarification of existing law,
19and intended to give binding effect to the provisions of House
20Resolution 1157 adopted by the House of Representatives of the
2197th General Assembly and Senate Resolution 821 adopted by the
22Senate of the 97th General Assembly that are reflected in
23paragraph (3) of this subsection. In addition, this amendatory
24Act of the 98th General Assembly preempts and supersedes any
25final Commission orders entered in Docket Nos. 11-0721,
2612-0001, 12-0293, and 12-0321 to the extent inconsistent with

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 45 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1the amendatory language added to subsections (c) and (d).
2        (1) No earlier than 5 business days after the effective
3    date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly,
4    each participating utility shall file any tariff changes
5    necessary to implement the amendatory language set forth in
6    subsections (c) and (d) of this Section by this amendatory
7    Act of the 98th General Assembly and a revised revenue
8    requirement under the participating utility's
9    performance-based formula rate. The Commission shall enter
10    a final order approving such tariff changes and revised
11    revenue requirement within 21 days after the participating
12    utility's filing.
13        (2) Notwithstanding anything that may be to the
14    contrary, a participating utility may file a tariff to
15    retroactively recover its previously unrecovered actual
16    costs of delivery service that are no longer subject to
17    recovery through a reconciliation adjustment under
18    subsection (d) of this Section. This retroactive recovery
19    shall include any derivative adjustments resulting from
20    the changes to subsections (c) and (d) of this Section by
21    this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly. Such
22    tariff shall allow the utility to assess, on current
23    customer bills over a period of 12 monthly billing periods,
24    a charge or credit related to those unrecovered costs with
25    interest at the utility's weighted average cost of capital
26    during the period in which those costs were unrecovered. A

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 46 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1    participating utility may file a tariff that implements a
2    retroactive charge or credit as described in this paragraph
3    for amounts not otherwise included in the tariff filing
4    provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection (k). The
5    Commission shall enter a final order approving such tariff
6    within 21 days after the participating utility's filing.
7        (3) The tariff changes described in paragraphs (1) and
8    (2) of this subsection (k) shall relate only to, and be
9    consistent with, the following provisions of this
10    amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly: paragraph (2)
11    of subsection (c) regarding year-end capital structure,
12    subparagraph (D) of paragraph (4) of subsection (c)
13    regarding pension assets, and subsection (d) regarding the
14    reconciliation components related to year-end rate base
15    and interest calculated at a rate equal to the utility's
16    weighted average cost of capital.
17        (4) Nothing in this subsection is intended to effect a
18    dismissal of or otherwise affect an appeal from any final
19    Commission orders entered in Docket Nos. 11-0721, 12-0001,
20    12-0293, and 12-0321 other than to the extent of the
21    amendatory language contained in subsections (c) and (d) of
22    this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly.
23    (l) Each participating utility shall be deemed to have been
24in full compliance with all requirements of subsection (b) of
25this Section, subsection (c) of this Section, Section 16-108.6
26of this Act, and all Commission orders entered pursuant to

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 47 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1Sections 16-108.5 and 16-108.6 of this Act, up to and including
2the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General
3Assembly. The Commission shall not undertake any investigation
4of such compliance and no penalty shall be assessed or adverse
5action taken against a participating utility for noncompliance
6with Commission orders associated with subsection (b) of this
7Section, subsection (c) of this Section, and Section 16-108.6
8of this Act prior to such date. Each participating utility
9other than a combination utility shall be permitted, without
10penalty, a period of 12 months after such effective date to
11take actions required to ensure its infrastructure investment
12program is in compliance with subsection (b) of this Section
13and with Section 16-108.6 of this Act. Provided further:
14        (1) if this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly
15    takes effect on or before June 15, 2013, the following
16    subparagraphs shall apply to a participating utility other
17    than a combination utility:
18            (A) if the Commission has initiated a proceeding
19        pursuant to subsection (e) of Section 16-108.6 of this
20        Act that is pending as of the effective date of this
21        amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly, then the
22        order entered in such proceeding shall, after notice
23        and hearing, accelerate the commencement of the meter
24        deployment schedule approved in the final Commission
25        order on rehearing entered in Docket No. 12-0298;
26            (B) if the Commission has entered an order pursuant

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 48 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1        to subsection (e) of Section 16-108.6 of this Act prior
2        to the effective date of this amendatory Act of the
3        98th General Assembly that does not accelerate the
4        commencement of the meter deployment schedule approved
5        in the final Commission order on rehearing entered in
6        Docket No. 12-0298, then the utility shall file with
7        the Commission, within 45 days after such effective
8        date, a plan for accelerating the commencement of the
9        utility's meter deployment schedule approved in the
10        final Commission order on rehearing entered in Docket
11        No. 12-0298; the Commission shall reopen the
12        proceeding in which it entered its order pursuant to
13        subsection (e) of Section 16-108.6 of this Act and
14        shall, after notice and hearing, enter an amendatory
15        order that approves or approves as modified such
16        accelerated plan within 90 days after the utility's
17        filing; or
18            (C) if the Commission has not initiated a
19        proceeding pursuant to subsection (e) of Section
20        16-108.6 of this Act prior to the effective date of
21        this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly, then
22        the utility shall file with the Commission, within 45
23        days after such effective date, a plan for accelerating
24        the commencement of the utility's meter deployment
25        schedule approved in the final Commission order on
26        rehearing entered in Docket No. 12-0298 and the

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 49 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1        Commission shall, after notice and hearing, approve or
2        approve as modified such plan within 90 days after the
3        utility's filing;
4        (2) if this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly
5    takes effect after June 15, 2013, then each participating
6    utility other than a combination utility shall file with
7    the Commission, within 45 days after such effective date, a
8    plan for accelerating the commencement of the utility's
9    meter deployment schedule approved in the final Commission
10    order on rehearing entered in Docket No. 12-0298; the
11    Commission shall reopen the most recent proceeding in which
12    it entered an order pursuant to subsection (e) of Section
13    16-108.6 of this Act and within 90 days after the utility's
14    filing shall, after notice and hearing, enter an amendatory
15    order that approves or approves as modified such
16    accelerated plan, provided that if there was no such prior
17    proceeding the Commission shall open a new proceeding and
18    within 90 days after the utility's filing shall, after
19    notice and hearing, enter an order that approves or
20    approves as modified such accelerated plan.
21    Any schedule for meter deployment approved by the
22Commission pursuant to subparagraphs (1) or (2) of this
23subsection (l) shall take into consideration procurement times
24for meters and other equipment and operational issues. Nothing
25in this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly shall
26shorten or extend the end dates for the 5-year or 10-year

 

 

09800HB3975ham001- 50 -LRB098 15537 RPS 62088 a

1periods set forth in subsection (b) of this Section or Section
216-108.6 of this Act. Nothing in this subsection is intended to
3address whether a participating utility has, or has not,
4satisfied any or all of the metrics and performance goals
5established pursuant to subsection (f) of this Section.
6    (m) The provisions of this amendatory Act of the 98th
7General Assembly are severable under Section 1.31 of the
8Statute on Statutes.
9(Source: P.A. 97-616, eff. 10-26-11; 97-646, eff. 12-30-11;
1098-15, eff. 5-22-13.)
 
11    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
12becoming law.".