New Law Brings Utility Rate Relief to Illinois Consumers

CHICAGO, IL, Jul 10 (MARKET WIRE) --
Skyrocketing rates are forcing a majority of consumers to limit their use
of home energy, with nearly half of them struggling just to afford their
utility bills -- at least for Illinois consumers, relief came today in
the shape of legislation signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn.

The AARP-backed legislation, sponsored by State Senator Kimberly Lightford
and State Representative Bob Flider, will bring relief to low-income
households. The law will allow eligible customers to pay no more than 6%
of their income and use their LIHEAP benefits to maintain affordable
year-round utility service.

Consumers will also get help in better managing their utility bills,
aiming to break the cycle of disconnections and reconnections that often
occur when households struggle with paying their utility bills.

"Older adults and low-income households are having an especially hard time
in this economy paying their utility bills," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois
State Director. "AARP commends Governor Quinn for signing into law this
measure that will provide urgently needed relief to people struggling to
afford basic necessities."

The legislation will also help make the state's utility regulators more
accountable to the public. SB 1918 aims to eliminate "back room"
discussions between the Illinois Commerce Commission and utility
companies, requiring that all such meetings be open to the public.

"The Illinois Commerce Commission has failed to strike a fair balance
between the interests of utility companies and those of consumers," added
Gallo. "This law will help make the ICC more accountable to consumers, and
open the process by which the ICC and utility companies make decisions
affecting the public."

In the current economy, older adults, low-income residents and people with
disabilities may pay up to 25 percent of their limited income in
utilities. A recent AARP survey found that nearly half (44%) of adults
have found it difficult to afford their utilities in the past several
months, while 63% have limited their use of home energy, or have had to
adopt other cost-cutting measures, including cutting on medical care or
prescription drugs, because of rising utilities costs.

Contacts:
David Irwin
312-458-3621

Gerardo Cardenas
312-458-3609

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