HB3327 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 10476 AMC 30703 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB3327

Introduced , by Rep. Robert Rita

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

220 ILCS 5/16-108.9 new

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to conduct at least one workshop and issue a report concerning how the development and construction of microgrids could strengthen and enhance the electric grid through reliance on the diverse supply options being connected to the grid by traditional suppliers and new market participants, such as the electric utilities' customers. Specifies objectives for the workshop and report. Defines "microgrid". Provides for repeal of the provisions on January 1, 2017. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Public Utilities Act is amended by adding Section 16-108.9 as follows:

(220 ILCS 5/16-108.9 new)

Sec. 16-108.9. Microgrid study. No later than June 30, 2016, the Commission shall conduct at least one workshop and issue a report concerning how the development and construction of microgrids could strengthen and enhance the electric grid through reliance on the diverse supply options being connected to the grid by traditional suppliers and new market participants, such as the electric utilities' customers. The workshop and report should explore a variety of objectives, including, but not limited to: (i) cost-effective alternatives to upgrading the electric grid, (ii) ways to improve electric grid resiliency and outage management for critical facilities and customers, thereby reducing the frequency, duration, and cost of major outages, (iii) how to improve the safety and security of critical electric infrastructure, including cyber security, for the benefit of the public, and (iv) ways to promote sustainability through the dispatch of renewable energy resources and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

For the purposes of this Section, "microgrid" means a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources with clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid and can connect and disconnect from the grid to enable it to operate in both grid-connected or island modes.

This Section is repealed on January 1, 2017.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.