101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2019 and 2020
SB2080

 

Introduced 2/15/2019, by Sen. Michael E. Hastings - Kimberly A. Lightford - Sue Rezin - Iris Y. Martinez

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
220 ILCS 5/16-108.5

    Amends the Electric Service Customer Choice and Rate Relief Law of 1997 of the Public Utilities Act. In provisions concerning infrastructure investment and modernization: Provides that beginning in 2022, a participating utility other than a combination utility shall pay $10,000,000 per year for 5 years and a participating utility that is a combination utility shall pay $1,000,000 per year for 10 years to the energy low-income and support program, which is intended to fund customer assistance programs with the primary purpose being avoidance of imminent disconnection and reconnecting customers who have been disconnected for nonpayment and makes conforming changes. Makes a change concerning the computation of the performance-based formula rate beginning with the rates applicable for the rate year commencing January 1, 2023, and each rate year thereafter. Removes provisions requiring that, by December 31, 2017, the Illinois Commerce Commission shall prepare and file with the General Assembly a report on the infrastructure program and the performance-based formula rate; provisions making the infrastructure investment and modernization, Smart Grid Advanced Metering Infrastructure Deployment Plan, Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Trust, and Illinois Smart Grid test bed provisions inoperative after December 31, 2022; and provisions limiting the ability of a participating utility to annually update the performance-based formula rate. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.


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FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

SB2080LRB101 11122 RJF 56347 b

1    AN ACT concerning regulation.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
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
17obligations described in subsection (b-10) of this Section,
18notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act and without
19obtaining any approvals from the Commission or any other agency
20other than as set forth in this Section, regardless of whether
21any such approval would otherwise be required. "Combination
22utility" means a utility that, as of January 1, 2011, provided
23electric service to at least one million retail customers in

 

 

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1Illinois and gas service to at least 500,000 retail customers
2in Illinois. A participating utility shall recover the
3expenditures made under the infrastructure investment program
4through the ratemaking process, including, but not limited to,
5the performance-based formula rate and process set forth in
6this Section.
7    During the infrastructure investment program's peak
8program year, a participating utility other than a combination
9utility shall create 2,000 full-time equivalent jobs in
10Illinois, and a participating utility that is a combination
11utility shall create 450 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois
12related to the provision of electric service. These jobs shall
13include direct jobs, contractor positions, and induced jobs,
14but shall not include any portion of a job commitment, not
15specifically contingent on an amendatory Act of the 97th
16General Assembly becoming law, between a participating utility
17and a labor union that existed on December 30, 2011 (the
18effective date of Public Act 97-646) and that has not yet been
19fulfilled. A portion of the full-time equivalent jobs created
20by each participating utility shall include incremental
21personnel hired subsequent to December 30, 2011 (the effective
22date of Public Act 97-646). For purposes of this Section, "peak
23program year" means the consecutive 12-month period with the
24highest number of full-time equivalent jobs that occurs between
25the beginning of investment year 2 and the end of investment
26year 4.

 

 

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1    A participating utility shall meet one of the following
2commitments, as applicable:
3        (1) Beginning no later than 180 days after a
4    participating utility other than a combination utility
5    files a performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to
6    subsection (c) of this Section, or, beginning no later than
7    January 1, 2012 if such utility files such
8    performance-based formula rate tariff within 14 days of
9    October 26, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 97-616),
10    the participating utility shall, except as provided in
11    subsection (b-5):
12            (A) over a 5-year period, invest an estimated
13        $1,300,000,000 in electric system upgrades,
14        modernization projects, and training facilities,
15        including, but not limited to:
16                (i) distribution infrastructure improvements
17            totaling an estimated $1,000,000,000, including
18            underground residential distribution cable
19            injection and replacement and mainline cable
20            system refurbishment and replacement projects;
21                (ii) training facility construction or upgrade
22            projects totaling an estimated $10,000,000,
23            provided that, at a minimum, one such facility
24            shall be located in a municipality having a
25            population of more than 2 million residents and one
26            such facility shall be located in a municipality

 

 

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1            having a population of more than 150,000 residents
2            but fewer than 170,000 residents; any such new
3            facility located in a municipality having a
4            population of more than 2 million residents must be
5            designed for the purpose of obtaining, and the
6            owner of the facility shall apply for,
7            certification under the United States Green
8            Building Council's Leadership in Energy Efficiency
9            Design Green Building Rating System;
10                (iii) wood pole inspection, treatment, and
11            replacement programs;
12                (iv) an estimated $200,000,000 for reducing
13            the susceptibility of certain circuits to
14            storm-related damage, including, but not limited
15            to, high winds, thunderstorms, and ice storms;
16            improvements may include, but are not limited to,
17            overhead to underground conversion and other
18            engineered outcomes for circuits; the
19            participating utility shall prioritize the
20            selection of circuits based on each circuit's
21            historical susceptibility to storm-related damage
22            and the ability to provide the greatest customer
23            benefit upon completion of the improvements; to be
24            eligible for improvement, the participating
25            utility's ability to maintain proper tree
26            clearances surrounding the overhead circuit must

 

 

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1            not have been impeded by third parties; and
2            (B) over a 10-year period, invest an estimated
3        $1,300,000,000 to upgrade and modernize its
4        transmission and distribution infrastructure and in
5        Smart Grid electric system upgrades, including, but
6        not limited to:
7                (i) additional smart meters;
8                (ii) distribution automation;
9                (iii) associated cyber secure data
10            communication network; and
11                (iv) substation micro-processor relay
12            upgrades.
13        (2) Beginning no later than 180 days after a
14    participating utility that is a combination utility files a
15    performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to
16    subsection (c) of this Section, or, beginning no later than
17    January 1, 2012 if such utility files such
18    performance-based formula rate tariff within 14 days of
19    October 26, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 97-616),
20    the participating utility shall, except as provided in
21    subsection (b-5):
22            (A) over a 10-year period, invest an estimated
23        $265,000,000 in electric system upgrades,
24        modernization projects, and training facilities,
25        including, but not limited to:
26                (i) distribution infrastructure improvements

 

 

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

 

 

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1                (iv) substation micro-processor relay
2            upgrades.
3    For purposes of this Section, "Smart Grid electric system
4upgrades" shall have the meaning set forth in subsection (a) of
5Section 16-108.6 of this Act.
6    The investments in the infrastructure investment program
7described in this subsection (b) shall be incremental to the
8participating utility's annual capital investment program, as
9defined by, for purposes of this subsection (b), the
10participating utility's average capital spend for calendar
11years 2008, 2009, and 2010 as reported in the applicable
12Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Form 1; provided
13that where one or more utilities have merged, the average
14capital spend shall be determined using the aggregate of the
15merged utilities' capital spend reported in FERC Form 1 for the
16years 2008, 2009, and 2010. A participating utility may add
17reasonable construction ramp-up and ramp-down time to the
18investment periods specified in this subsection (b). For each
19such investment period, the ramp-up and ramp-down time shall
20not exceed a total of 6 months.
21    Within 60 days after filing a tariff under subsection (c)
22of this Section, a participating utility shall submit to the
23Commission its plan, including scope, schedule, and staffing,
24for satisfying its infrastructure investment program
25commitments pursuant to this subsection (b). The submitted plan
26shall include a schedule and staffing plan for the next

 

 

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1calendar year. The plan shall also include a plan for the
2creation, operation, and administration of a Smart Grid test
3bed as described in subsection (c) of Section 16-108.8. The
4plan need not allocate the work equally over the respective
5periods, but should allocate material increments throughout
6such periods commensurate with the work to be undertaken. No
7later than April 1 of each subsequent year, the utility shall
8submit to the Commission a report that includes any updates to
9the plan, a schedule for the next calendar year, the
10expenditures made for the prior calendar year and cumulatively,
11and the number of full-time equivalent jobs created for the
12prior calendar year and cumulatively. If the utility is
13materially deficient in satisfying a schedule or staffing plan,
14then the report must also include a corrective action plan to
15address the deficiency. The fact that the plan, implementation
16of the plan, or a schedule changes shall not imply the
17imprudence or unreasonableness of the infrastructure
18investment program, plan, or schedule. Further, no later than
1945 days following the last day of the first, second, and third
20quarters of each year of the plan, a participating utility
21shall submit to the Commission a verified quarterly report for
22the prior quarter that includes (i) the total number of
23full-time equivalent jobs created during the prior quarter,
24(ii) the total number of employees as of the last day of the
25prior quarter, (iii) the total number of full-time equivalent
26hours in each job classification or job title, (iv) the total

 

 

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1number of incremental employees and contractors in support of
2the investments undertaken pursuant to this subsection (b) for
3the prior quarter, and (v) any other information that the
4Commission may require by rule.
5    With respect to the participating utility's peak job
6commitment, if, after considering the utility's corrective
7action plan and compliance thereunder, the Commission enters an
8order finding, after notice and hearing, that a participating
9utility did not satisfy its peak job commitment described in
10this subsection (b) for reasons that are reasonably within its
11control, then the Commission shall also determine, after
12consideration of the evidence, including, but not limited to,
13evidence submitted by the Department of Commerce and Economic
14Opportunity and the utility, the deficiency in the number of
15full-time equivalent jobs during the peak program year due to
16such failure. The Commission shall notify the Department of any
17proceeding that is initiated pursuant to this paragraph. For
18each full-time equivalent job deficiency during the peak
19program year that the Commission finds as set forth in this
20paragraph, the participating utility shall, within 30 days
21after the entry of the Commission's order, pay $6,000 to a fund
22for training grants administered under Section 605-800 of the
23Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law, which
24shall not be a recoverable expense.
25    With respect to the participating utility's investment
26amount commitments, if, after considering the utility's

 

 

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1corrective action plan and compliance thereunder, the
2Commission enters an order finding, after notice and hearing,
3that a participating utility is not satisfying its investment
4amount commitments described in this subsection (b), then the
5utility shall no longer be eligible to annually update the
6performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to subsection
7(d) of this Section. In such event, the then current rates
8shall remain in effect until such time as new rates are set
9pursuant to Article IX of this Act, subject to retroactive
10adjustment, with interest, to reconcile rates charged with
11actual costs.
12    If the Commission finds that a participating utility is no
13longer eligible to update the performance-based formula rate
14tariff pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section, or the
15performance-based formula rate is otherwise terminated, then
16the participating utility's voluntary commitments and
17obligations under this subsection (b) shall immediately
18terminate, except for the utility's obligation to pay an amount
19already owed to the fund for training grants pursuant to a
20Commission order.
21    In meeting the obligations of this subsection (b), to the
22extent feasible and consistent with State and federal law, the
23investments under the infrastructure investment program should
24provide employment opportunities for all segments of the
25population and workforce, including minority-owned and
26female-owned business enterprises, and shall not, consistent

 

 

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1with State and federal law, discriminate based on race or
2socioeconomic status.
3    (b-5) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the Commission
4from investigating the prudence and reasonableness of the
5expenditures made under the infrastructure investment program
6during the annual review required by subsection (d) of this
7Section and shall, as part of such investigation, determine
8whether the utility's actual costs under the program are
9prudent and reasonable. The fact that a participating utility
10invests more than the minimum amounts specified in subsection
11(b) of this Section or its plan shall not imply imprudence or
12unreasonableness.
13    If the participating utility finds that it is implementing
14its plan for satisfying the infrastructure investment program
15commitments described in subsection (b) of this Section at a
16cost below the estimated amounts specified in subsection (b) of
17this Section, then the utility may file a petition with the
18Commission requesting that it be permitted to satisfy its
19commitments by spending less than the estimated amounts
20specified in subsection (b) of this Section. The Commission
21shall, after notice and hearing, enter its order approving, or
22approving as modified, or denying each such petition within 150
23days after the filing of the petition.
24    In no event, absent General Assembly approval, shall the
25capital investment costs incurred by a participating utility
26other than a combination utility in satisfying its

 

 

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1infrastructure investment program commitments described in
2subsection (b) of this Section exceed $3,000,000,000 or, for a
3participating utility that is a combination utility,
4$720,000,000. If the participating utility's updated cost
5estimates for satisfying its infrastructure investment program
6commitments described in subsection (b) of this Section exceed
7the limitation imposed by this subsection (b-5), then it shall
8submit a report to the Commission that identifies the increased
9costs and explains the reason or reasons for the increased
10costs no later than the year in which the utility estimates it
11will exceed the limitation. The Commission shall review the
12report and shall, within 90 days after the participating
13utility files the report, report to the General Assembly its
14findings regarding the participating utility's report. If the
15General Assembly does not amend the limitation imposed by this
16subsection (b-5), then the utility may modify its plan so as
17not to exceed the limitation imposed by this subsection (b-5)
18and may propose corresponding changes to the metrics
19established pursuant to subparagraphs (5) through (8) of
20subsection (f) of this Section, and the Commission may modify
21the metrics and incremental savings goals established pursuant
22to subsection (f) of this Section accordingly.
23    (b-10) All participating utilities shall make
24contributions for an energy low-income and support program in
25accordance with this subsection. Beginning no later than 180
26days after a participating utility files a performance-based

 

 

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1formula rate tariff pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section,
2or beginning no later than January 1, 2012 if such utility
3files such performance-based formula rate tariff within 14 days
4of December 30, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 97-646),
5and without obtaining any approvals from the Commission or any
6other agency other than as set forth in this Section,
7regardless of whether any such approval would otherwise be
8required, a participating utility other than a combination
9utility shall pay $10,000,000 per year for 5 years and a
10participating utility that is a combination utility shall pay
11$1,000,000 per year for 10 years to the energy low-income and
12support program, which is intended to fund customer assistance
13programs with the primary purpose being avoidance of imminent
14disconnection. Such programs may include:
15        (1) a residential hardship program that may partner
16    with community-based organizations, including senior
17    citizen organizations, and provides grants to low-income
18    residential customers, including low-income senior
19    citizens, who demonstrate a hardship;
20        (2) a program that provides grants and other bill
21    payment concessions to veterans with disabilities who
22    demonstrate a hardship and members of the armed services or
23    reserve forces of the United States or members of the
24    Illinois National Guard who are on active duty pursuant to
25    an executive order of the President of the United States,
26    an act of the Congress of the United States, or an order of

 

 

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1    the Governor and who demonstrate a hardship;
2        (3) a budget assistance program that provides tools and
3    education to low-income senior citizens to assist them with
4    obtaining information regarding energy usage and effective
5    means of managing energy costs;
6        (4) a non-residential special hardship program that
7    provides grants to non-residential customers such as small
8    businesses and non-profit organizations that demonstrate a
9    hardship, including those providing services to senior
10    citizen and low-income customers; and
11        (5) a performance-based assistance program that
12    provides grants to encourage residential customers to make
13    on-time payments by matching a portion of the customer's
14    payments or providing credits towards arrearages.
15    The payments made by a participating utility pursuant to
16this subsection (b-10) shall not be a recoverable expense. A
17participating utility may elect to fund either new or existing
18customer assistance programs, including, but not limited to,
19those that are administered by the utility.
20    Programs that use funds that are provided by a
21participating utility to reduce utility bills may be
22implemented through tariffs that are filed with and reviewed by
23the Commission. If a utility elects to file tariffs with the
24Commission to implement all or a portion of the programs, those
25tariffs shall, regardless of the date actually filed, be deemed
26accepted and approved, and shall become effective on December

 

 

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130, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 97-646). The
2participating utilities whose customers benefit from the funds
3that are disbursed as contemplated in this Section shall file
4annual reports documenting the disbursement of those funds with
5the Commission. The Commission has the authority to audit
6disbursement of the funds to ensure they were disbursed
7consistently with this Section.
8    If the Commission finds that a participating utility is no
9longer eligible to update the performance-based formula rate
10tariff pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section, or the
11performance-based formula rate is otherwise terminated, then
12the participating utility's voluntary commitments and
13obligations under this subsection (b-10) shall immediately
14terminate.
15    (b-15) Beginning in 2022, without obtaining any approvals
16from the Commission or any other agency, regardless of whether
17any such approval would otherwise be required, a participating
18utility other than a combination utility shall pay $10,000,000
19per year for 5 years and a participating utility that is a
20combination utility shall pay $1,000,000 per year for 10 years
21to the energy low-income and support program, which is intended
22to fund customer assistance programs with the primary purpose
23being avoidance of imminent disconnection and reconnecting
24customers who have been disconnected for nonpayment. Such
25programs may include those described in paragraphs (1) through
26(5) of subsection (b-10) of this Section.

 

 

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1    The payments made by a participating utility pursuant to
2this subsection (b-15) shall not be a recoverable expense. A
3participating utility may elect to fund either new or existing
4customer assistance programs, including, but not limited to,
5those that are administered by the utility.
6    Programs that use funds that are provided by a
7participating utility to reduce utility bills may be
8implemented through tariffs that are filed with and reviewed by
9the Commission. If a utility elects to file tariffs with the
10Commission to implement all or a portion of the programs, those
11tariffs shall, regardless of the date actually filed, be deemed
12accepted and approved, and shall become effective on the first
13business day after they are filed. The participating utilities
14whose customers benefit from the funds that are disbursed as
15contemplated in this subsection (b-15) shall file annual
16reports documenting the disbursement of those funds with the
17Commission. The Commission has the authority to audit
18disbursement of the funds to ensure they were disbursed
19consistently with this subsection (b-15).
20    If the Commission finds that a participating utility is no
21longer eligible to update the performance-based formula rate
22tariff pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section, or the
23performance-based formula rate is otherwise terminated, then
24the participating utility's voluntary commitments and
25obligations under this subsection (b-15) shall immediately
26terminate.

 

 

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1    (c) A participating utility may elect to recover its
2delivery services costs through a performance-based formula
3rate approved by the Commission, which shall specify the cost
4components that form the basis of the rate charged to customers
5with sufficient specificity to operate in a standardized manner
6and be updated annually with transparent information that
7reflects the utility's actual costs to be recovered during the
8applicable rate year, which is the period beginning with the
9first billing day of January and extending through the last
10billing day of the following December. In the event the utility
11recovers a portion of its costs through automatic adjustment
12clause tariffs on October 26, 2011 (the effective date of
13Public Act 97-616), the utility may elect to continue to
14recover these costs through such tariffs, but then these costs
15shall not be recovered through the performance-based formula
16rate. In the event the participating utility, prior to December
1730, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 97-646), filed
18electric delivery services tariffs with the Commission
19pursuant to Section 9-201 of this Act that are related to the
20recovery of its electric delivery services costs that are still
21pending on December 30, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act
2297-646), the participating utility shall, at the time it files
23its performance-based formula rate tariff with the Commission,
24also file a notice of withdrawal with the Commission to
25withdraw the electric delivery services tariffs previously
26filed pursuant to Section 9-201 of this Act. Upon receipt of

 

 

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1such notice, the Commission shall dismiss with prejudice any
2docket that had been initiated to investigate the electric
3delivery services tariffs filed pursuant to Section 9-201 of
4this Act, and such tariffs and the record related thereto shall
5not be the subject of any further hearing, investigation, or
6proceeding of any kind related to rates for electric delivery
7services.
8    The performance-based formula rate shall be implemented
9through a tariff filed with the Commission consistent with the
10provisions of this subsection (c) that shall be applicable to
11all delivery services customers. The Commission shall initiate
12and conduct an investigation of the tariff in a manner
13consistent with the provisions of this subsection (c) and the
14provisions of Article IX of this Act to the extent they do not
15conflict with this subsection (c). Except in the case where the
16Commission finds, after notice and hearing, that a
17participating utility is not satisfying its investment amount
18commitments under subsection (b) of this Section, the
19performance-based formula rate shall remain in effect at the
20discretion of the utility. The performance-based formula rate
21approved by the Commission shall do the following:
22        (1) Provide for the recovery of the utility's actual
23    costs of delivery services that are prudently incurred and
24    reasonable in amount consistent with Commission practice
25    and law. The sole fact that a cost differs from that
26    incurred in a prior calendar year or that an investment is

 

 

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1    different from that made in a prior calendar year shall not
2    imply the imprudence or unreasonableness of that cost or
3    investment.
4        (2) Reflect the utility's actual year-end capital
5    structure for the applicable calendar year, excluding
6    goodwill, subject to a determination of prudence and
7    reasonableness consistent with Commission practice and
8    law. For those rate years commencing after December 31,
9    2022, the non-equity component of the capital structure
10    calculated pursuant to this paragraph (2) shall be reduced
11    by an amount that is equal to the value of the pension
12    assets described in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (4) of
13    this subsection (c). To enable the financing of the
14    incremental capital expenditures, including regulatory
15    assets, for electric utilities that serve less than
16    3,000,000 retail customers but more than 500,000 retail
17    customers in the State, a participating electric utility's
18    actual year-end capital structure that includes a common
19    equity ratio, excluding goodwill, of up to and including
20    50% of the total capital structure shall be deemed
21    reasonable and used to set rates.
22        (3) Include a cost of equity, which shall be calculated
23    as the sum of the following:
24            (A) the average for the applicable calendar year of
25        the monthly average yields of 30-year U.S. Treasury
26        bonds published by the Board of Governors of the

 

 

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1        Federal Reserve System in its weekly H.15 Statistical
2        Release or successor publication; and
3            (B) 580 basis points.
4        At such time as the Board of Governors of the Federal
5    Reserve System ceases to include the monthly average yields
6    of 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds in its weekly H.15
7    Statistical Release or successor publication, the monthly
8    average yields of the U.S. Treasury bonds then having the
9    longest duration published by the Board of Governors in its
10    weekly H.15 Statistical Release or successor publication
11    shall instead be used for purposes of this paragraph (3).
12        (4) Permit and set forth protocols, subject to a
13    determination of prudence and reasonableness consistent
14    with Commission practice and law, for the following:
15            (A) recovery of incentive compensation expense
16        that is based on the achievement of operational
17        metrics, including metrics related to budget controls,
18        outage duration and frequency, safety, customer
19        service, efficiency and productivity, and
20        environmental compliance. Incentive compensation
21        expense that is based on net income or an affiliate's
22        earnings per share shall not be recoverable under the
23        performance-based formula rate;
24            (B) recovery of pension and other post-employment
25        benefits expense, provided that such costs are
26        supported by an actuarial study;

 

 

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1            (C) recovery of severance costs, provided that if
2        the amount is over $3,700,000 for a participating
3        utility that is a combination utility or $10,000,000
4        for a participating utility that serves more than 3
5        million retail customers, then the full amount shall be
6        amortized consistent with subparagraph (F) of this
7        paragraph (4);
8            (D) investment return at a rate equal to the
9        utility's weighted average cost of long-term debt, on
10        the pension assets as, and in the amount, reported in
11        Account 186 (or in such other Account or Accounts as
12        such asset may subsequently be recorded) of the
13        utility's most recently filed FERC Form 1, net of
14        deferred tax benefits;
15            (E) recovery of the expenses related to the
16        Commission proceeding under this subsection (c) to
17        approve this performance-based formula rate and
18        initial rates or to subsequent proceedings related to
19        the formula, provided that the recovery shall be
20        amortized over a 3-year period; recovery of expenses
21        related to the annual Commission proceedings under
22        subsection (d) of this Section to review the inputs to
23        the performance-based formula rate shall be expensed
24        and recovered through the performance-based formula
25        rate;
26            (F) amortization over a 5-year period of the full

 

 

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1        amount of each charge or credit that exceeds $3,700,000
2        for a participating utility that is a combination
3        utility or $10,000,000 for a participating utility
4        that serves more than 3 million retail customers in the
5        applicable calendar year and that relates to a
6        workforce reduction program's severance costs, changes
7        in accounting rules, changes in law, compliance with
8        any Commission-initiated audit, or a single storm or
9        other similar expense, provided that any unamortized
10        balance shall be reflected in rate base. For purposes
11        of this subparagraph (F), changes in law includes any
12        enactment, repeal, or amendment in a law, ordinance,
13        rule, regulation, interpretation, permit, license,
14        consent, or order, including those relating to taxes,
15        accounting, or to environmental matters, or in the
16        interpretation or application thereof by any
17        governmental authority occurring after October 26,
18        2011 (the effective date of Public Act 97-616);
19            (G) recovery of existing regulatory assets over
20        the periods previously authorized by the Commission;
21            (H) historical weather normalized billing
22        determinants; and
23            (I) allocation methods for common costs.
24        (5) Provide that if the participating utility's earned
25    rate of return on common equity related to the provision of
26    delivery services for the prior rate year (calculated using

 

 

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

 

 

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1    subsection (c), consistent with this Section, in
2    accordance with Commission rules and orders, including,
3    but not limited to, adjustments for goodwill, and after any
4    Commission-ordered disallowances and taxes) is more than
5    50 basis points less than the return on common equity
6    calculated pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection (c)
7    (after adjusting for any penalties to the rate of return on
8    common equity applied pursuant to the performance metrics
9    provision of subsection (f), (f-5), or (f-10) of this
10    Section, as applicable), then the participating utility
11    shall apply a charge through the performance-based formula
12    rate that reflects an amount equal to the value of that
13    portion of the earned rate of return on common equity that
14    is more than 50 basis points less than the rate of return
15    on common equity calculated pursuant to paragraph (3) of
16    this subsection (c) (after adjusting for any penalties to
17    the rate of return on common equity applied pursuant to the
18    performance metrics provision of subsection (f), (f-5), or
19    (f-10) of this Section, as applicable) for the prior rate
20    year, adjusted for taxes.
21        (6) Provide for an annual reconciliation, as described
22    in subsection (d) of this Section, with interest, of the
23    revenue requirement reflected in rates for each calendar
24    year, beginning with the calendar year in which the utility
25    files its performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant
26    to subsection (c) of this Section, with what the revenue

 

 

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1    requirement would have been had the actual cost information
2    for the applicable calendar year been available at the
3    filing date.
4    The utility shall file, together with its tariff, final
5data based on its most recently filed FERC Form 1, plus
6projected plant additions and correspondingly updated
7depreciation reserve and expense for the calendar year in which
8the tariff and data are filed, that shall populate the
9performance-based formula rate and set the initial delivery
10services rates under the formula. For purposes of this Section,
11"FERC Form 1" means the Annual Report of Major Electric
12Utilities, Licensees and Others that electric utilities are
13required to file with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
14under the Federal Power Act, Sections 3, 4(a), 304 and 209,
15modified as necessary to be consistent with 83 Ill. Admin. Code
16Part 415 as of May 1, 2011. Nothing in this Section is intended
17to allow costs that are not otherwise recoverable to be
18recoverable by virtue of inclusion in FERC Form 1.
19    After the utility files its proposed performance-based
20formula rate structure and protocols and initial rates, the
21Commission shall initiate a docket to review the filing. The
22Commission shall enter an order approving, or approving as
23modified, the performance-based formula rate, including the
24initial rates, as just and reasonable within 270 days after the
25date on which the tariff was filed, or, if the tariff is filed
26within 14 days after October 26, 2011 (the effective date of

 

 

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1Public Act 97-616), then by May 31, 2012. Such review shall be
2based on the same evidentiary standards, including, but not
3limited to, those concerning the prudence and reasonableness of
4the costs incurred by the utility, the Commission applies in a
5hearing to review a filing for a general increase in rates
6under Article IX of this Act. The initial rates shall take
7effect within 30 days after the Commission's order approving
8the performance-based formula rate tariff.
9    Until such time as the Commission approves a different rate
10design and cost allocation pursuant to subsection (e) of this
11Section, rate design and cost allocation across customer
12classes shall be consistent with the Commission's most recent
13order regarding the participating utility's request for a
14general increase in its delivery services rates.
15    Subsequent changes to the performance-based formula rate
16structure or protocols shall be made as set forth in Section
179-201 of this Act, but nothing in this subsection (c) is
18intended to limit the Commission's authority under Article IX
19and other provisions of this Act to initiate an investigation
20of a participating utility's performance-based formula rate
21tariff, provided that any such changes shall be consistent with
22paragraphs (1) through (6) of this subsection (c). Any change
23ordered by the Commission shall be made at the same time new
24rates take effect following the Commission's next order
25pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section, provided that the
26new rates take effect no less than 30 days after the date on

 

 

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1which the Commission issues an order adopting the change.
2    A participating utility that files a tariff pursuant to
3this subsection (c) must submit a one-time $200,000 filing fee
4at the time the Chief Clerk of the Commission accepts the
5filing, which shall be a recoverable expense.
6    In the event the performance-based formula rate is
7terminated, the then current rates shall remain in effect until
8such time as new rates are set pursuant to Article IX of this
9Act, subject to retroactive rate adjustment, with interest, to
10reconcile rates charged with actual costs. At such time that
11the performance-based formula rate is terminated, the
12participating utility's voluntary commitments and obligations
13under subsection (b) of this Section shall immediately
14terminate, except for the utility's obligation to pay an amount
15already owed to the fund for training grants pursuant to a
16Commission order issued under subsection (b) of this Section.
17    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, it is the intent
18of the General Assembly that the changes made to paragraph (2)
19of this subsection (c) by this amendatory Act of the 101st
20General Assembly shall apply to the computations and inputs to
21the performance-based formula rate beginning with the rates
22applicable for the rate year commencing January 1, 2023, and
23each rate year thereafter. Such changes shall apply to all
24applicable computations and inputs to establish rates for the
25applicable rate year, including the reconciliation of the
26revenue requirement in effect during the prior rate year and

 

 

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1the initial revenue requirement to be placed into effect for
2the applicable rate year. It is further the intent of the
3General Assembly that the changes made to paragraph (2) of this
4subsection (c) by this amendatory Act of the 101st General
5Assembly shall not alter, impair, or diminish the investment
6return calculated pursuant to subparagraph (D) of paragraph (4)
7of this subsection (c).
8    (d) Subsequent to the Commission's issuance of an order
9approving the utility's performance-based formula rate
10structure and protocols, and initial rates under subsection (c)
11of this Section, the utility shall file, on or before May 1 of
12each year, with the Chief Clerk of the Commission its updated
13cost inputs to the performance-based formula rate for the
14applicable rate year and the corresponding new charges. Each
15such filing shall conform to the following requirements and
16include the following information:
17        (1) The inputs to the performance-based formula rate
18    for the applicable rate year shall be based on final
19    historical data reflected in the utility's most recently
20    filed annual FERC Form 1 plus projected plant additions and
21    correspondingly updated depreciation reserve and expense
22    for the calendar year in which the inputs are filed. The
23    filing shall also include a reconciliation of the revenue
24    requirement that was in effect for the prior rate year (as
25    set by the cost inputs for the prior rate year) with the
26    actual revenue requirement for the prior rate year

 

 

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1    (determined using a year-end rate base) that uses amounts
2    reflected in the applicable FERC Form 1 that reports the
3    actual costs for the prior rate year. Any over-collection
4    or under-collection indicated by such reconciliation shall
5    be reflected as a credit against, or recovered as an
6    additional charge to, respectively, with interest
7    calculated at a rate equal to the utility's weighted
8    average cost of capital approved by the Commission for the
9    prior rate year, the charges for the applicable rate year.
10    Provided, however, that the first such reconciliation
11    shall be for the calendar year in which the utility files
12    its performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to
13    subsection (c) of this Section and shall reconcile (i) the
14    revenue requirement or requirements established by the
15    rate order or orders in effect from time to time during
16    such calendar year (weighted, as applicable) with (ii) the
17    revenue requirement determined using a year-end rate base
18    for that calendar year calculated pursuant to the
19    performance-based formula rate using (A) actual costs for
20    that year as reflected in the applicable FERC Form 1, and
21    (B) for the first such reconciliation only, the cost of
22    equity, which shall be calculated as the sum of 590 basis
23    points plus the average for the applicable calendar year of
24    the monthly average yields of 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds
25    published by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
26    System in its weekly H.15 Statistical Release or successor

 

 

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1    publication. The first such reconciliation is not intended
2    to provide for the recovery of costs previously excluded
3    from rates based on a prior Commission order finding of
4    imprudence or unreasonableness. Each reconciliation shall
5    be certified by the participating utility in the same
6    manner that FERC Form 1 is certified. The filing shall also
7    include the charge or credit, if any, resulting from the
8    calculation required by paragraph (6) of subsection (c) of
9    this Section.
10        Notwithstanding anything that may be to the contrary,
11    the intent of the reconciliation is to ultimately reconcile
12    the revenue requirement reflected in rates for each
13    calendar year, beginning with the calendar year in which
14    the utility files its performance-based formula rate
15    tariff pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, with
16    what the revenue requirement determined using a year-end
17    rate base for the applicable calendar year would have been
18    had the actual cost information for the applicable calendar
19    year been available at the filing date.
20        (2) The new charges shall take effect beginning on the
21    first billing day of the following January billing period
22    and remain in effect through the last billing day of the
23    next December billing period regardless of whether the
24    Commission enters upon a hearing pursuant to this
25    subsection (d).
26        (3) The filing shall include relevant and necessary

 

 

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1    data and documentation for the applicable rate year that is
2    consistent with the Commission's rules applicable to a
3    filing for a general increase in rates or any rules adopted
4    by the Commission to implement this Section. Normalization
5    adjustments shall not be required. Notwithstanding any
6    other provision of this Section or Act or any rule or other
7    requirement adopted by the Commission, a participating
8    utility that is a combination utility with more than one
9    rate zone shall not be required to file a separate set of
10    such data and documentation for each rate zone and may
11    combine such data and documentation into a single set of
12    schedules.
13    Within 45 days after the utility files its annual update of
14cost inputs to the performance-based formula rate, the
15Commission shall have the authority, either upon complaint or
16its own initiative, but with reasonable notice, to enter upon a
17hearing concerning the prudence and reasonableness of the costs
18incurred by the utility to be recovered during the applicable
19rate year that are reflected in the inputs to the
20performance-based formula rate derived from the utility's FERC
21Form 1. During the course of the hearing, each objection shall
22be stated with particularity and evidence provided in support
23thereof, after which the utility shall have the opportunity to
24rebut the evidence. Discovery shall be allowed consistent with
25the Commission's Rules of Practice, which Rules shall be
26enforced by the Commission or the assigned administrative law

 

 

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1judge. The Commission shall apply the same evidentiary
2standards, including, but not limited to, those concerning the
3prudence and reasonableness of the costs incurred by the
4utility, in the hearing as it would apply in a hearing to
5review a filing for a general increase in rates under Article
6IX of this Act. The Commission shall not, however, have the
7authority in a proceeding under this subsection (d) to consider
8or order any changes to the structure or protocols of the
9performance-based formula rate approved pursuant to subsection
10(c) of this Section. In a proceeding under this subsection (d),
11the Commission shall enter its order no later than the earlier
12of 240 days after the utility's filing of its annual update of
13cost inputs to the performance-based formula rate or December
1431. The Commission's determinations of the prudence and
15reasonableness of the costs incurred for the applicable
16calendar year shall be final upon entry of the Commission's
17order and shall not be subject to reopening, reexamination, or
18collateral attack in any other Commission proceeding, case,
19docket, order, rule or regulation, provided, however, that
20nothing in this subsection (d) shall prohibit a party from
21petitioning the Commission to rehear or appeal to the courts
22the order pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
23    In the event the Commission does not, either upon complaint
24or its own initiative, enter upon a hearing within 45 days
25after the utility files the annual update of cost inputs to its
26performance-based formula rate, then the costs incurred for the

 

 

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1applicable calendar year shall be deemed prudent and
2reasonable, and the filed charges shall not be subject to
3reopening, reexamination, or collateral attack in any other
4proceeding, case, docket, order, rule, or regulation.
5    A participating utility's first filing of the updated cost
6inputs, and any Commission investigation of such inputs
7pursuant to this subsection (d) shall proceed notwithstanding
8the fact that the Commission's investigation under subsection
9(c) of this Section is still pending and notwithstanding any
10other law, order, rule, or Commission practice to the contrary.
11    (e) Nothing in subsections (c) or (d) of this Section shall
12prohibit the Commission from investigating, or a participating
13utility from filing, revenue-neutral tariff changes related to
14rate design of a performance-based formula rate that has been
15placed into effect for the utility. Following approval of a
16participating utility's performance-based formula rate tariff
17pursuant to subsection (c) of this Section, the utility shall
18make a filing with the Commission within one year after the
19effective date of the performance-based formula rate tariff
20that proposes changes to the tariff to incorporate the findings
21of any final rate design orders of the Commission applicable to
22the participating utility and entered subsequent to the
23Commission's approval of the tariff. The Commission shall,
24after notice and hearing, enter its order approving, or
25approving with modification, the proposed changes to the
26performance-based formula rate tariff within 240 days after the

 

 

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1utility's filing. Following such approval, the utility shall
2make a filing with the Commission during each subsequent 3-year
3period that either proposes revenue-neutral tariff changes or
4re-files the existing tariffs without change, which shall
5present the Commission with an opportunity to suspend the
6tariffs and consider revenue-neutral tariff changes related to
7rate design.
8    (f) Within 30 days after the filing of a tariff pursuant to
9subsection (c) of this Section, each participating utility
10shall develop and file with the Commission multi-year metrics
11designed to achieve, ratably (i.e., in equal segments) over a
1210-year period, improvement over baseline performance values
13as follows:
14        (1) Twenty percent improvement in the System Average
15    Interruption Frequency Index, using a baseline of the
16    average of the data from 2001 through 2010.
17        (2) Fifteen percent improvement in the system Customer
18    Average Interruption Duration Index, using a baseline of
19    the average of the data from 2001 through 2010.
20        (3) For a participating utility other than a
21    combination utility, 20% improvement in the System Average
22    Interruption Frequency Index for its Southern Region,
23    using a baseline of the average of the data from 2001
24    through 2010. For purposes of this paragraph (3), Southern
25    Region shall have the meaning set forth in the
26    participating utility's most recent report filed pursuant

 

 

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1    to Section 16-125 of this Act.
2        (3.5) For a participating utility other than a
3    combination utility, 20% improvement in the System Average
4    Interruption Frequency Index for its Northeastern Region,
5    using a baseline of the average of the data from 2001
6    through 2010. For purposes of this paragraph (3.5),
7    Northeastern Region shall have the meaning set forth in the
8    participating utility's most recent report filed pursuant
9    to Section 16-125 of this Act.
10        (4) Seventy-five percent improvement in the total
11    number of customers who exceed the service reliability
12    targets as set forth in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of
13    paragraph (4) of subsection (b) of 83 Ill. Admin. Code Part
14    411.140 as of May 1, 2011, using 2010 as the baseline year.
15        (5) Reduction in issuance of estimated electric bills:
16    90% improvement for a participating utility other than a
17    combination utility, and 56% improvement for a
18    participating utility that is a combination utility, using
19    a baseline of the average number of estimated bills for the
20    years 2008 through 2010.
21        (6) Consumption on inactive meters: 90% improvement
22    for a participating utility other than a combination
23    utility, and 56% improvement for a participating utility
24    that is a combination utility, using a baseline of the
25    average unbilled kilowatthours for the years 2009 and 2010.
26        (7) Unaccounted for energy: 50% improvement for a

 

 

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1    participating utility other than a combination utility
2    using a baseline of the non-technical line loss unaccounted
3    for energy kilowatthours for the year 2009.
4        (8) Uncollectible expense: reduce uncollectible
5    expense by at least $30,000,000 for a participating utility
6    other than a combination utility and by at least $3,500,000
7    for a participating utility that is a combination utility,
8    using a baseline of the average uncollectible expense for
9    the years 2008 through 2010.
10        (9) Opportunities for minority-owned and female-owned
11    business enterprises: design a performance metric
12    regarding the creation of opportunities for minority-owned
13    and female-owned business enterprises consistent with
14    State and federal law using a base performance value of the
15    percentage of the participating utility's capital
16    expenditures that were paid to minority-owned and
17    female-owned business enterprises in 2010.
18    The definitions set forth in 83 Ill. Admin. Code Part
19411.20 as of May 1, 2011 shall be used for purposes of
20calculating performance under paragraphs (1) through (3.5) of
21this subsection (f), provided, however, that the participating
22utility may exclude up to 9 extreme weather event days from
23such calculation for each year, and provided further that the
24participating utility shall exclude 9 extreme weather event
25days when calculating each year of the baseline period to the
26extent that there are 9 such days in a given year of the

 

 

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1baseline period. For purposes of this Section, an extreme
2weather event day is a 24-hour calendar day (beginning at 12:00
3a.m. and ending at 11:59 p.m.) during which any weather event
4(e.g., storm, tornado) caused interruptions for 10,000 or more
5of the participating utility's customers for 3 hours or more.
6If there are more than 9 extreme weather event days in a year,
7then the utility may choose no more than 9 extreme weather
8event days to exclude, provided that the same extreme weather
9event days are excluded from each of the calculations performed
10under paragraphs (1) through (3.5) of this subsection (f).
11    The metrics shall include incremental performance goals
12for each year of the 10-year period, which shall be designed to
13demonstrate that the utility is on track to achieve the
14performance goal in each category at the end of the 10-year
15period. The utility shall elect when the 10-year period shall
16commence for the metrics set forth in subparagraphs (1) through
17(4) and (9) of this subsection (f), provided that it begins no
18later than 14 months following the date on which the utility
19begins investing pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section,
20and when the 10-year period shall commence for the metrics set
21forth in subparagraphs (5) through (8) of this subsection (f),
22provided that it begins no later than 14 months following the
23date on which the Commission enters its order approving the
24utility's Advanced Metering Infrastructure Deployment Plan
25pursuant to subsection (c) of Section 16-108.6 of this Act.
26    The metrics and performance goals set forth in

 

 

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1subparagraphs (5) through (8) of this subsection (f) are based
2on the assumptions that the participating utility may fully
3implement the technology described in subsection (b) of this
4Section, including utilizing the full functionality of such
5technology and that there is no requirement for personal
6on-site notification. If the utility is unable to meet the
7metrics and performance goals set forth in subparagraphs (5)
8through (8) of this subsection (f) for such reasons, and the
9Commission so finds after notice and hearing, then the utility
10shall be excused from compliance, but only to the limited
11extent achievement of the affected metrics and performance
12goals was hindered by the less than full implementation.
13    (f-5) The financial penalties applicable to the metrics
14described in subparagraphs (1) through (8) of subsection (f) of
15this Section, as applicable, shall be applied through an
16adjustment to the participating utility's return on equity of
17no more than a total of 30 basis points in each of the first 3
18years, of no more than a total of 34 basis points in each of the
193 years thereafter, and of no more than a total of 38 basis
20points in each of the 4 years thereafter, as follows:
21        (1) With respect to each of the incremental annual
22    performance goals established pursuant to paragraph (1) of
23    subsection (f) of this Section,
24            (A) for each year that a participating utility
25        other than a combination utility does not achieve the
26        annual goal, the participating utility's return on

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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1    The percentage of goal achieved for each of the goals shall
2    be aggregated, and an average percentage value calculated,
3    for each year of the 10-year period. If the utility does
4    not achieve an average percentage value in a given year of
5    at least 95%, the participating utility's return on equity
6    shall be reduced by 5 basis points.
7    The financial penalties shall be applied as described in
8this subsection (f-5) for the 12-month period in which the
9deficiency occurred through a separate tariff mechanism, which
10shall be filed by the utility together with its metrics. In the
11event the formula rate tariff established pursuant to
12subsection (c) of this Section terminates, the utility's
13obligations under subsection (f) of this Section and this
14subsection (f-5) shall also terminate, provided, however, that
15the tariff mechanism established pursuant to subsection (f) of
16this Section and this subsection (f-5) shall remain in effect
17until any penalties due and owing at the time of such
18termination are applied.
19    The Commission shall, after notice and hearing, enter an
20order within 120 days after the metrics are filed approving, or
21approving with modification, a participating utility's tariff
22or mechanism to satisfy the metrics set forth in subsection (f)
23of this Section. On June 1 of each subsequent year, each
24participating utility shall file a report with the Commission
25that includes, among other things, a description of how the
26participating utility performed under each metric and an

 

 

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1identification of any extraordinary events that adversely
2impacted the utility's performance. Whenever a participating
3utility does not satisfy the metrics required pursuant to
4subsection (f) of this Section, the Commission shall, after
5notice and hearing, enter an order approving financial
6penalties in accordance with this subsection (f-5). The
7Commission-approved financial penalties shall be applied
8beginning with the next rate year. Nothing in this Section
9shall authorize the Commission to reduce or otherwise obviate
10the imposition of financial penalties for failing to achieve
11one or more of the metrics established pursuant to subparagraph
12(1) through (4) of subsection (f) of this Section.
13    (f-10) Each applicable 10-year period previously approved
14by the Commission pursuant to subsections (f) and (f-5) of this
15Section shall be extended for an additional 10-year period that
16commences immediately after the termination of the previous
1710-year period. The performance goals and financial penalties
18applicable to each year of an additional 10-year period shall
19be fixed at, and the same as, the performance goals applicable
20to year 10 that were previously approved by the Commission
21pursuant to subsections (f) and (f-5) of this Section and the
22financial penalties applicable to year 10 set forth in
23subsection (f-5) of this Section. The total amount of financial
24penalties applicable in any given year shall not exceed 38
25basis points. During the additional 10-year period, each
26participating utility shall continue to file the annual reports

 

 

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1required by subsection (f-5) of this Section, and the
2requirements of this subsection (f-5) related to Commission
3approval of any financial penalties shall continue to apply.
4Each participating utility's tariff or tariffs approved under
5subsection (f-5) shall remain in effect during the additional
610-year period, and each participating utility is authorized to
7submit a compliance filing after the effective date of this
8amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly conforming its
9tariff or tariffs to the provisions of this subsection (f-10).
10In the event the formula rate tariff established pursuant to
11subsection (c) of this Section terminates, the utility's
12obligations under this subsection (f-10) shall also terminate;
13provided, however, that the tariff mechanism established
14pursuant to subsections (f) and (f-5) of this Section, and
15extended under this subsection (f-10), shall remain in effect
16until any penalties due and owing at the time of such
17termination are applied.
18    The metrics and performance goals set forth in
19subparagraphs (5) through (8) of subsection (f) of this
20Section, and extended under this subsection (f-10), are based
21on the assumptions that the participating utility may fully
22implement the technology described in subsection (b) of this
23Section, including utilizing the full functionality of such
24technology and that there is no requirement for personal
25on-site notification. If the utility is unable to meet the
26metrics and performance goals applicable to subparagraphs (5)

 

 

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1through (8) of subsection (f) of this Section for such reasons
2during the additional 10-year period, as those metrics and
3goals are set by this subsection (f-10), and the Commission so
4finds after notice and hearing, then the utility shall be
5excused from compliance, but only to the limited extent
6achievement of the affected metrics and performance goals was
7hindered by the less than full implementation.
8    (g) On or before July 31, 2014, each participating utility
9shall file a report with the Commission that sets forth the
10average annual increase in the average amount paid per
11kilowatthour for residential eligible retail customers,
12exclusive of the effects of energy efficiency programs,
13comparing the 12-month period ending May 31, 2012; the 12-month
14period ending May 31, 2013; and the 12-month period ending May
1531, 2014. For a participating utility that is a combination
16utility with more than one rate zone, the weighted average
17aggregate increase shall be provided. The report shall be filed
18together with a statement from an independent auditor attesting
19to the accuracy of the report. The cost of the independent
20auditor shall be borne by the participating utility and shall
21not be a recoverable expense. "The average amount paid per
22kilowatthour" shall be based on the participating utility's
23tariffed rates actually in effect and shall not be calculated
24using any hypothetical rate or adjustments to actual charges
25(other than as specified for energy efficiency) as an input.
26    In the event that the average annual increase exceeds 2.5%

 

 

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1as calculated pursuant to this subsection (g), then Sections
216-108.5, 16-108.6, 16-108.7, and 16-108.8 of this Act, other
3than this subsection, shall be inoperative as they relate to
4the utility and its service area as of the date of the report
5due to be submitted pursuant to this subsection and the utility
6shall no longer be eligible to annually update the
7performance-based formula rate tariff pursuant to subsection
8(d) of this Section. In such event, the then current rates
9shall remain in effect until such time as new rates are set
10pursuant to Article IX of this Act, subject to retroactive
11adjustment, with interest, to reconcile rates charged with
12actual costs, and the participating utility's voluntary
13commitments and obligations under subsection (b) of this
14Section shall immediately terminate, except for the utility's
15obligation to pay an amount already owed to the fund for
16training grants pursuant to a Commission order issued under
17subsection (b) of this Section.
18    In the event that the average annual increase is 2.5% or
19less as calculated pursuant to this subsection (g), then the
20performance-based formula rate shall remain in effect as set
21forth in this Section.
22    For purposes of this Section, the amount per kilowatthour
23means the total amount paid for electric service expressed on a
24per kilowatthour basis, and the total amount paid for electric
25service includes without limitation amounts paid for supply,
26transmission, distribution, surcharges, and add-on taxes

 

 

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1exclusive of any increases in taxes or new taxes imposed after
2October 26, 2011 (the effective date of Public Act 97-616). For
3purposes of this Section, "eligible retail customers" shall
4have the meaning set forth in Section 16-111.5 of this Act.
5    The fact that this Section becomes inoperative as set forth
6in this subsection shall not be construed to mean that the
7Commission may reexamine or otherwise reopen prudence or
8reasonableness determinations already made.
9    (h) (Blank). By December 31, 2017, the Commission shall
10prepare and file with the General Assembly a report on the
11infrastructure program and the performance-based formula rate.
12The report shall include the change in the average amount per
13kilowatthour paid by residential customers between June 1, 2011
14and May 31, 2017. If the change in the total average rate paid
15exceeds 2.5% compounded annually, the Commission shall include
16in the report an analysis that shows the portion of the change
17due to the delivery services component and the portion of the
18change due to the supply component of the rate. The report
19shall include separate sections for each participating
20utility.
21    Sections 16-108.5, 16-108.6, 16-108.7, and 16-108.8 of
22this Act, other than this subsection (h), are inoperative after
23December 31, 2022 for every participating utility, after which
24time a participating utility shall no longer be eligible to
25annually update the performance-based formula rate tariff
26pursuant to subsection (d) of this Section. At such time, the

 

 

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1then current rates shall remain in effect until such time as
2new rates are set pursuant to Article IX of this Act, subject
3to retroactive adjustment, with interest, to reconcile rates
4charged with actual costs.
5    The fact that this Section becomes inoperative as set forth
6in this subsection shall not be construed to mean that the
7Commission may reexamine or otherwise reopen prudence or
8reasonableness determinations already made.
9    (i) While a participating utility may use, develop, and
10maintain broadband systems and the delivery of broadband
11services, voice-over-internet-protocol services,
12telecommunications services, and cable and video programming
13services for use in providing delivery services and Smart Grid
14functionality or application to its retail customers,
15including, but not limited to, the installation,
16implementation and maintenance of Smart Grid electric system
17upgrades as defined in Section 16-108.6 of this Act, a
18participating utility is prohibited from offering to its retail
19customers broadband services or the delivery of broadband
20services, voice-over-internet-protocol services,
21telecommunications services, or cable or video programming
22services, unless they are part of a service directly related to
23delivery services or Smart Grid functionality or applications
24as defined in Section 16-108.6 of this Act, and from recovering
25the costs of such offerings from retail customers.
26    (j) Nothing in this Section is intended to legislatively

 

 

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1overturn the opinion issued in Commonwealth Edison Co. v. Ill.
2Commerce Comm'n, Nos. 2-08-0959, 2-08-1037, 2-08-1137,
31-08-3008, 1-08-3030, 1-08-3054, 1-08-3313 cons. (Ill. App.
4Ct. 2d Dist. Sept. 30, 2010). Public Act 97-616 shall not be
5construed as creating a contract between the General Assembly
6and the participating utility, and shall not establish a
7property right in the participating utility.
8    (k) The changes made in subsections (c) and (d) of this
9Section by Public Act 98-15 are intended to be a restatement
10and clarification of existing law, and intended to give binding
11effect to the provisions of House Resolution 1157 adopted by
12the House of Representatives of the 97th General Assembly and
13Senate Resolution 821 adopted by the Senate of the 97th General
14Assembly that are reflected in paragraph (3) of this
15subsection. In addition, Public Act 98-15 preempts and
16supersedes any final Commission orders entered in Docket Nos.
1711-0721, 12-0001, 12-0293, and 12-0321 to the extent
18inconsistent with the amendatory language added to subsections
19(c) and (d).
20        (1) No earlier than 5 business days after May 22, 2013
21    (the effective date of Public Act 98-15), each
22    participating utility shall file any tariff changes
23    necessary to implement the amendatory language set forth in
24    subsections (c) and (d) of this Section by Public Act 98-15
25    and a revised revenue requirement under the participating
26    utility's performance-based formula rate. The Commission

 

 

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1    shall enter a final order approving such tariff changes and
2    revised revenue requirement within 21 days after the
3    participating utility's filing.
4        (2) Notwithstanding anything that may be to the
5    contrary, a participating utility may file a tariff to
6    retroactively recover its previously unrecovered actual
7    costs of delivery service that are no longer subject to
8    recovery through a reconciliation adjustment under
9    subsection (d) of this Section. This retroactive recovery
10    shall include any derivative adjustments resulting from
11    the changes to subsections (c) and (d) of this Section by
12    Public Act 98-15. Such tariff shall allow the utility to
13    assess, on current customer bills over a period of 12
14    monthly billing periods, a charge or credit related to
15    those unrecovered costs with interest at the utility's
16    weighted average cost of capital during the period in which
17    those costs were unrecovered. A participating utility may
18    file a tariff that implements a retroactive charge or
19    credit as described in this paragraph for amounts not
20    otherwise included in the tariff filing provided for in
21    paragraph (1) of this subsection (k). The Commission shall
22    enter a final order approving such tariff within 21 days
23    after the participating utility's filing.
24        (3) The tariff changes described in paragraphs (1) and
25    (2) of this subsection (k) shall relate only to, and be
26    consistent with, the following provisions of Public Act

 

 

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1    98-15: paragraph (2) of subsection (c) regarding year-end
2    capital structure, subparagraph (D) of paragraph (4) of
3    subsection (c) regarding pension assets, and subsection
4    (d) regarding the reconciliation components related to
5    year-end rate base and interest calculated at a rate equal
6    to the utility's weighted average cost of capital.
7        (4) Nothing in this subsection is intended to effect a
8    dismissal of or otherwise affect an appeal from any final
9    Commission orders entered in Docket Nos. 11-0721, 12-0001,
10    12-0293, and 12-0321 other than to the extent of the
11    amendatory language contained in subsections (c) and (d) of
12    this Section of Public Act 98-15.
13    (l) Each participating utility shall be deemed to have been
14in full compliance with all requirements of subsection (b) of
15this Section, subsection (c) of this Section, Section 16-108.6
16of this Act, and all Commission orders entered pursuant to
17Sections 16-108.5 and 16-108.6 of this Act, up to and including
18May 22, 2013 (the effective date of Public Act 98-15). The
19Commission shall not undertake any investigation of such
20compliance and no penalty shall be assessed or adverse action
21taken against a participating utility for noncompliance with
22Commission orders associated with subsection (b) of this
23Section, subsection (c) of this Section, and Section 16-108.6
24of this Act prior to such date. Each participating utility
25other than a combination utility shall be permitted, without
26penalty, a period of 12 months after such effective date to

 

 

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1take actions required to ensure its infrastructure investment
2program is in compliance with subsection (b) of this Section
3and with Section 16-108.6 of this Act. Provided further, the
4following subparagraphs shall apply to a participating utility
5other than a combination utility:
6        (A) if the Commission has initiated a proceeding
7    pursuant to subsection (e) of Section 16-108.6 of this Act
8    that is pending as of May 22, 2013 (the effective date of
9    Public Act 98-15), then the order entered in such
10    proceeding shall, after notice and hearing, accelerate the
11    commencement of the meter deployment schedule approved in
12    the final Commission order on rehearing entered in Docket
13    No. 12-0298;
14        (B) if the Commission has entered an order pursuant to
15    subsection (e) of Section 16-108.6 of this Act prior to May
16    22, 2013 (the effective date of Public Act 98-15) that does
17    not accelerate the commencement of the meter deployment
18    schedule approved in the final Commission order on
19    rehearing entered in Docket No. 12-0298, then the utility
20    shall file with the Commission, within 45 days after such
21    effective date, a plan for accelerating the commencement of
22    the utility's meter deployment schedule approved in the
23    final Commission order on rehearing entered in Docket No.
24    12-0298; the Commission shall reopen the proceeding in
25    which it entered its order pursuant to subsection (e) of
26    Section 16-108.6 of this Act and shall, after notice and

 

 

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1    hearing, enter an amendatory order that approves or
2    approves as modified such accelerated plan within 90 days
3    after the utility's filing; or
4        (C) if the Commission has not initiated a proceeding
5    pursuant to subsection (e) of Section 16-108.6 of this Act
6    prior to May 22, 2013 (the effective date of Public Act
7    98-15), then the utility shall file with the Commission,
8    within 45 days after such effective date, a plan for
9    accelerating the commencement of the utility's meter
10    deployment schedule approved in the final Commission order
11    on rehearing entered in Docket No. 12-0298 and the
12    Commission shall, after notice and hearing, approve or
13    approve as modified such plan within 90 days after the
14    utility's filing.
15    Any schedule for meter deployment approved by the
16Commission pursuant to this subsection (l) shall take into
17consideration procurement times for meters and other equipment
18and operational issues. Nothing in Public Act 98-15 shall
19shorten or extend the end dates for the 5-year or 10-year
20periods set forth in subsection (b) of this Section or Section
2116-108.6 of this Act. Nothing in this subsection is intended to
22address whether a participating utility has, or has not,
23satisfied any or all of the metrics and performance goals
24established pursuant to subsection (f) of this Section.
25    (m) The provisions of Public Act 98-15 are severable under
26Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.

 

 

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1(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16;
299-906, eff. 6-1-17; 100-840, eff. 8-13-18.)
 
3    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
4becoming law.