(305 ILCS 21/5)

Sec. 5. Findings and intent.

(a) The General Assembly finds that:

(1) The health, welfare, and prosperity of the people of the State of Illinois require that water and sewer services are affordable and that all citizens receive essential levels of water and sewer services regardless of economic circumstance.

(2) Water and sewer providers and other entities providing such services are entitled to receive proper payment for services actually rendered.

(3) Unlike the electric and gas industry, water and sewer providers do not have existing statutory programs intended to assist low-income customers.

(4) Existing financial assistance policies and programs in effect in Illinois for utility services have benefited all Illinois citizens, and should therefore be extended to the water and sewer industry.

(5) Low-income households are unable to afford essential utility services and other necessities, such as food, shelter, and medical care; the health and safety of those who are unable to afford essential utility services suffer when monthly payments for these services exceed a reasonable percentage of the customer's household income. Costs of collecting past due bills and uncollectible balances are reflected in rates paid by all ratepayers. Society benefits if essential utility services are affordable and arrearages and disconnections are minimized for those most in need.

(b) Consistent with its findings, the General Assembly declares that it is the policy of the State that:

(1) A low-income water and sewer assistance payment plan should be established that incorporates income assistance for citizens to have access to affordable water and sewer services.

(2) The ability of public utilities and other entities to receive just compensation for providing services should not be jeopardized by this policy.

(Source: P.A. 102-262, eff. 8-6-21.)