July 30, 2004

To the Honorable Members of the

Illinois Senate

93^rd General Assembly

            Pursuant to Article IV, Section 9(b) of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby veto Senate Bill 2525, entitled “AN ACT concerning public utilities.”  Encouraging competition in our energy markets will benefit consumers.  This bill creates a special exception to Illinois law that would allow one utility company to engage in business practices that discourage competition.  Additionally, this legislation proposes safeguards that are inadequate to ensure that the utility's regulated ratepayers are fairly treated and creates an additional regulatory burden for the Illinois Commerce Commission.  Moreover, if enacted, this bill could lead other utility companies to demand similar exemptions from laws that protect consumers from unfair and anti-competitive business practices.

            For this reason, I hereby veto and return Senate Bill 2525.

Sincerely,

ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

Governor