HB4258eng 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HB4258 Engrossed LRB094 15768 MKM 50983 b

AN ACT concerning regulation.

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

Section 5. The Public Utilities Act is amended by adding Section 4-305.5 as follows:

(220 ILCS 5/4-305.5 new)

Sec. 4-305.5. Illinois Smart Energy Task Force.

(a) The Illinois Smart Energy Task Force is created. The mission of the Illinois Smart Energy Task Force is to conduct a study and make recommendations to the Commission and to the General Assembly concerning (i) the improvement of system-wide reliability and the reduction of peak demand through energy efficiency; (ii) the improvement of energy efficiency and access to energy options for underserved customers; and (iii) the reduction of negative environmental impacts caused by energy production and use.

(b) The Illinois Smart Energy Task Force shall consist of the following members: one member appointed by the Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission; one member appointed by the President of the Senate; one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; one member appointed by the Speaker of the House; one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the House; one member appointed by the Governor who is a representative of an electric public utility whose service area includes a county with a population of 1,000,000 or more; one member appointed by the Governor who is a representative of an electric public utility whose service area does not include a county with a population of 1,000,000 or more; and one member appointed by the Governor who is an Illinois citizen with expertise in the area of energy conservation. The task force shall appoint a chairperson from among its members. If a vacancy occurs in the Illinois Smart Energy Task Force membership, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the initial appointment.

(c) Members of the Illinois Smart Energy Task Force shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred as a result of their duties as members of the task force. The Commission must provide staff and administrative support services to the task force.

(d) The Illinois Smart Energy Task Force may begin to conduct business upon appointment of a majority of the members. The task force must meet at least once each calendar quarter. For purposes of task force meetings, a quorum is 5 voting members. Meetings of the task force are subject to the Open Meetings Act. The task force must afford an opportunity for public comment at each of its meetings. The task force shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations to the Commission and to the General Assembly. The task force must also make copies of each report available to members of the public, upon request.