Illinois regulatory overhaul draws fire from users, utilities
Electric utilities and industrial users oppose a new Illinois bill that includes penalties for utilities whose plant construction programs lead to high generating reserve margins and that charges large customers extra to cover a discount rate for low-income customers. Warning that the legislation could force large industrial users to generate their own power and squeeze the competitive edge from small and service-oriented businesses, opponents say that Illinois could lose industry. A proposed 25% cap on excess generating capacity beyond peak demand would force utilities to pass costs to stockholders rather than through the rate base. The bill emphasizes, but does not define, the use of non-conventional technologies as a primary source of new electricity. The legislators find the bill politically attractive because of the short-term reduction in rates, which opponents see as a fantasy.
- OSTI ID:
- 5681308
- Journal Information:
- Energy User News; (United States), Vol. 10:23
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
RATE STRUCTURE
ILLINOIS
ECONOMIC IMPACT
POLITICAL ASPECTS
LEGISLATION
REGULATIONS
FEDERAL REGION V
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
NORTH AMERICA
PUBLIC UTILITIES
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320603* - Energy Conservation
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& Utilization- Municipalities & Community Systems- Public Utilities- (1980-)
296000 - Energy Planning & Policy- Electric Power