(220 ILCS 5/8-303) (from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 8-303)
Sec. 8-303.
Where, within 30 days of receipt of a utility bill, a
customer alleges that the level of consumption reflected in his utility
bill is unreasonably high, it shall be the responsibility of the public
utility furnishing natural or artificial gas, electricity or water to that
customer to investigate the allegation. If as a result of such an
investigation, the public utility determines that the customer's line has
been tapped, the utility shall attempt to ascertain the identity of the
third party benefiting from the usage of the utility service or for
payment for all or part of the disputed charges. If the utility determines
that the landlord of the building or his agent is the party who benefited
from the usage of the utility service, either the utility or the customer
may petition the court for the appointment of receiver to collect the rents
due and to remit a portion to the utility company for payment of bills for
the tapped service, for current bills and for any expenses incurred by the
utility as a result of the tap. The receiver shall make all reasonable
efforts, including the obtaining of court orders, to provide to the utility
access to the building. Any changes in the building's piping which are
necessitated by the tap shall be at the expense of the person benefiting
from the tap.
If the utility determines that the landlord of the building is not the
party who benefited from the usage of the utility service, the customer
shall be so notified and shall also be informed by the utility of a right
to register a dispute pursuant to procedures developed by the Commission
for resolution of disputed bills, including his right to bring a complaint
before the Commission if an agreement with the utility cannot be reached.
In order to enable the customer to ascertain whether the level
of consumption is greater than the amounts billed in
other billing periods and to eliminate to the fullest extent
practicable consecutive estimated bills, the public utility shall make an
actual meter reading at least every second billing
period. If a meter reader is unable to gain access to the meter for the
purpose of making an actual reading, the public utility shall take other
appropriate and reasonable measures to read the meter.
Nothing in this Section shall preclude either the customer or the public
utility from filing a complaint with the State's Attorney located in the
county where the utility service is being rendered to allege an unlawful
theft of the customer's utility service.
(Source: P.A. 84-617.)
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