SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative Dave Severin passed legislation with unanimous House support to increase transparency for electricity customers, sending the measure to the Governor’s desk. After being amended in the Illinois Senate, the measure passed that chamber unanimously with the help of Senator Terri Bryant.
Severin says that with rising utility costs, customers are often in the dark about which taxes and fees they are paying when they pay their electricity bills.
“The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) is charged in this legislation with generating a report that breaks down the various taxes and fees paid by Illinois electricity customers when they get their bill each month,” Severin said. “Educating folks on exactly what they are paying for increases transparency and accountability for electric providers, and is a good consumer protection step we can take amid the rising cost of energy.”
Under the proposal, beginning January 1, 2027, COGFA would be required to publish information on charges beyond standard delivery and supply costs, including whether those funds are remitted to the state or retained by the utility company. The information they share will include the statutory authority for the charge or the Commission order approving the charge, the entity or fund to which the charge is remitted, any programs or services supported by the charge, and the full amount collected annually from the charge in calendar year 2025.
“We’re going to have COGFA study all the fees that you’re paying in your electricity bill and generate a report for the public to review,” Severin said. “I pledge to continue to pass this bill each year so Illinois electricity customers can stay informed on where their dollars are going.”