HB0288 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB095 05164 MJR 25236 b

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2007 and 2008
HB0288

Introduced 1/19/2007, by Rep. Patricia Reid Lindner

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

220 ILCS 5/4-305.5 new

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Creates the Illinois Smart Energy Task Force to conduct a study and make recommendations to the Illinois Commerce Commission and 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. Requires the task force to file an annual report of its findings and recommendations with the Commission and the General Assembly and to make that report available to members of the public, upon request.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

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 public utilities; 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 from funds appropriated by the General Assembly for that purpose. 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 4 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.