Publications

Illinois Bar Journal
Articles on Public Utilities

Electric utility environmental disclosures may now be made electronically or through the mail. PA 097-1092 January 2013 Illinois Law Update, Page 16 The General Assembly has amended the Public Utilities Act to alter the environmental disclosure delivery requirements.
Implementation of standards of service and customer credits for telecommunication carriers January 2013 Illinois Law Update, Page 16 The Illinois Commerce Commission (the "ICC") adopted new standards for telecommunication carriers implementing service quality and customer credit standards. 83 Ill. Adm. Code 737.
New regulations for public utilities that report to credit reporting agencies. PA 097-0821 October 2012 Illinois Law Update, Page 520 The General Assembly has amended The Public Utilities Act to add new regulations for public utilities that report to credit reporting agencies.
Claim against public utility deemed to fall within jurisdiction of circuit court December 2011 Illinois Law Update, Page 610 A circuit court may exercise jurisdiction over a class action against a gas utility alleging that the utility violated state law by attempting to collect debts discharged in bankruptcy, according to the Appellate Court for the First District of Illinois.
Power company has a duty to respond to a downed power line with due care November 2009 Illinois Law Update, Page 552 On August 27, 2009, the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District, reversed and remanded the grant of summary judgment by the Circuit Court of Cook County in favor of the defendant power company, finding that there was a genuine issue of material fact as to whether defendant breached its duty to the plaintiff to respond to a downed power line with due care.
Act creates bill payment assistance program for low-income utilities customers. PA 096-0033 September 2009 Illinois Law Update, Page 444 Illinois lawmakers have amended the Energy Assistance Act to add a new section creating the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), intended to help low-income residential customers pay their utility bills. 305 ILCS 20/18. 
The Public Utilities Act amended. PA 095-0660 September 2008 Illinois Law Update, Page 444 The Public Utilities Act was amended by adding section 8-408 titled "Energy efficiency plans for small multi-jurisdictional utilities." 220 ILCS 5/8-408. 
New rules prescribe public comment at Illinois Commerce Commission meetings March 2008 Illinois Law Update, Page 124 The Illinois Commerce Commission has created a new part, "Public Information, Rulemaking and Organization." 2 Ill Adm Code 1700. 
Steps taken to improve utilities retail market conditions -PA 094-1095 May 2007 Illinois Law Update, Page 236 In order to promote a more competitive retail electric market for all Illinois consumers, the Illinois General Assembly (Assembly) has amended the Public Utilities Act by adding the Retail Electric Competition Act (Act) of 2006. 220 ILCS 5/20-101 et seq. 
Procedural and practice rules promulgated for voluntary mediation of public utility disputes March 2005 Illinois Law Update, Page 116   The Illinois Commerce Commission recently adopted 83 Ill Adm Code 201, dealing with voluntary mediation practice in the resolution of public utilities disputes. 
Increased fines for digging without calling JULIE P.A. 92-0179 July 2002 Illinois Law Update, Page 344 Gov. George H. Ryan signed legislation last July that amends the Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (Act) (for an in-depth look, see William Zieske's article beginning on page 354).
JULIE, Digger and Liability for Damage to Buried Utilities By William F. Zieske July 2002 Article, Page 354 A review of the newly amended Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act, which protects underground utilities from construction damage and governs the legal relationship between contractors and utilities
Utility company does not have duty to insulate power lines over public right of way, especially when decedent aware of the risk of metal coming into contact with the lines January 2002 Illinois Law Update, Page 14 On October 23, 2001, the Appellate Court of Illinois, Fourth District, affirmed the decision of the Circuit Court of Vermilion County granting summary judgment to Illinois Power in a wrongful death action.
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