SB3977 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 42829 BDA 76079 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB3977

Introduced 10/28/2024, by Sen. Jil Tracy

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

30 ILCS 5/3-2.5 new

Amends the Illinois State Auditing Act. Provides that, in calendar years 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045, the Auditor General shall conduct a performance audit of (i) the programs and procurement activities administered by the Illinois Power Agency to implement the Renewable Portfolio Standard and (ii) the Adjustable Block program established under the Illinois Power Agency Act. Provides that the performance audits shall address several questions related to renewable energy, solar vendors, and other issues. Provides that performance audits shall each include physical inspections of 3 random solar sites funded through the Adjustable Block program. Provides that the Auditor General shall consult with energy experts in the audit process and may employ an energy consulting firm. Provides for the Auditor General to report findings and recommendations. Repeals the provisions added by this amendatory Act on July 1, 2046. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning finance.

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

Section 5. The Illinois State Auditing Act is amended by adding Section 3-2.5 as follows:

(30 ILCS 5/3-2.5 new)

Sec. 3-2.5. Illinois Power Agency performance audit.

(a) In calendar years 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045, the Auditor General shall conduct a performance audit of (i) the programs and procurement activities administered by the Illinois Power Agency to implement the State's Renewable Portfolio Standard and (ii) the Adjustable Block program established under the Illinois Power Agency Act.

(b) The performance audits required under this Section shall address the following questions in addition to any other matters statutorily required to be included in the performance audit:

(1) Is the State meeting the percentage-based renewable energy goals set forth in the Illinois Power Agency Act?

(2) What is the average annual price of renewable energy credits under contracts entered into by electric utilities in the State since June 1, 2017, for each year?

(3) What is the average annual price of renewable energy credits under the renewable energy credit programs administered by the Illinois Power Agency compared to neighboring states and the State of Arizona?

(4) Is the Illinois Power Agency maximizing the use of moneys appropriated to it to increase progress toward the State's Renewable Portfolio Standard goals?

(5) Is the Illinois Power Agency able to demonstrate that the funds awarded through the audited programs are being spent efficiently and that the vendors receiving contract awards through those programs are being fully vetted?

(6) What is the cause of the high rates of bankruptcy filings of the solar vendors participating in the Adjustable Block program?

(7) What further steps can be taken to shield solar customers from vendors who are not meeting their obligations to those customers?

(8) How can affected solar customers be reimbursed by the Illinois Power Agency for actions by vendors in the rooftop solar industry who are not meeting their obligations to customers?

(c) The performance audits required under this Section shall each include physical inspections of 3 random solar sites funded through the Adjustable Block program.

(d) When conducting the performance audits required under this Section, the Auditor General shall consult with energy experts and may employ an energy consulting firm as needed to complete the required audits.

(e) The Illinois Power Agency and any other entity having information relevant to any performance audit required under this Section shall cooperate fully and promptly with the Auditor General's Office in the conduct of the performance audit.

(f) Upon completion of each performance audit required under this Section, the Auditor General shall report its findings and recommendations in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-14 of this Act by no later than December 31 of the year in which the performance audit is required to be conducted.

(g) This Section is repealed on July 1, 2046.

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