HB 2875

Abstract

Provides that the amendatory Act may be referred to as the Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Acts. Sets forth a statement of legislative findings and intent. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Defines "thermal energy" and "thermal energy network". Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall initiate a proceeding within 3 months after the effective date of the amendatory Act to support the development of thermal energy networks. Specifies the matters the Commission shall consider in such proceeding. Provides that the Commission shall adopt rules within 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act to do specified tasks. Provides for procedures for submittal of proposed pilot thermal energy network projects with the Commission. Provides that each gas, electric, or combination gas and utility corporation shall report to the Commission, on a quarterly basis and until completion of the pilot thermal energy network project, the status of each project. Provides that any thermal energy network created shall demonstrate that the gas, electric, or combination gas and electric corporation has entered into a labor peace agreement with a bona fide labor organization of jurisdiction that is actively engaged in representing gas and electric corporation employees. Makes corresponding changes to the Act and the Illinois Power Agency Act. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 2 Deletes reference to: 20 ILCS 3855/1-83 new 220 ILCS 5/3-105 from Ch. 111 2/3, par. 3-105 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes: Makes changes to legislative findings. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall initiate a proceeding within 6 months (rather than 3 months) after the effective date of the amendatory Act to support the development of pilot thermal energy networks. Provides that within 12 months (rather than 3 months) after the effective date of the amendatory Act, any gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility serving over 100,000 customers shall file with the Commission a petition seeking Commission approval of at least one and no more than 3 proposed pilot thermal energy network projects. Provides that a gas public utility, electric public utility, or combination public utility required to develop any pilot thermal energy network project shall be permitted to recover all reasonable and prudently incurred costs associated with the development, construction, and operation of one or more pilot thermal energy network projects through general rates. Removes provisions amending the Illinois Power Agency Act. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.