HB 564

Abstract

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Requires each natural gas public utility to file annually a set of transportation schedules or tariffs applicable to public schools authorizing a public school association to aggregate the purchase of natural gas for its members. Requires the transportation schedules or tariffs to (i) establish certain delivery charges; (ii) authorize a public school association to contract with a public utility at monthly market prices for interstate pipeline capacity; (iii) require the public utility to provide certain usage projections; and (iv) authorize the public utility to impose a penalty under limited circumstances. Authorizes the Illinois Commerce Commission to suspend the transportation schedule or tariff for up to 3 months. Requires energy sellers to comply with applicable Commission rules. Provides that any agreement between a public school association and an energy seller is void if the energy seller does not comply with Commission rules. Requires each natural gas public utility to file an annual statement of its revenues and incremental costs incurred as a direct result of the aggregation of natural gas for public schools. Authorizes the Commission to promulgate rules that are reasonable and necessary to administer the aggregation program. Effective immediately.