The House and Senate returned from their Spring Break this week.  The House was in Session Monday through Thursday with the Senate in Session Tuesday through Thursday.

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The House Public Utilities Committee met this past Wednesday.  Chairman Phelps created a Special Issues Subcommittee and assigned most of the controversial bills to that Subcommittee.  The Committee did approve two initiatives of Direct Energy.  HB 6034 (Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Oak Lawn) would add a definition for “solar customer” to the Public Utilities Act.  The Committee also approved HB 6067 (Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Oak Lawn) that would expand the natural gas requirements for the Office of Retail Market Development at the Illinois Commerce Commission.

The Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee met on Thursday.  The Committee approved SB 2283 (Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Peru) as a shell bill.  Sen. Rezin has indicated that she wants to discuss utility extension agreements, and will hold SB 2283 on 2^nd reading pending those meetings.  The Committee also approved SB 2939 (Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville) which is an initiative of Dynegy. The bill may change as they evaluate their legislative agenda.

The Senate Environment and Conservation Committee also met on Thursday.  They approved SB 2920 (Sen Toi Hutchinson, D-Chicago Heights) as a shell bill. The sponsor would like to continue discussions about environmental justice and its role in implementing the Clean Power Plan.  The Committee also approved SB 3289 (Sen. Stadelman, D-Rockford) which would increase the penalties for tree cutting on conservation land.  The Illinois Energy Association has expressed concern that SB 3289 would create a burden for electric utilities and transmission companies.  The sponsor agreed to hold SB 3289 on 2^nd reading while an amendment to address industry concerns is negotiated.

The Senate State Government Committee met on Wednesday to approve SB 2803 (Sen. Daniel Biss, D-Skokie). The bill would allow the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to circumvent the normal state budget process by authorizing energy efficiency grants and programs be paid directly by the energy utility. The Illinois Energy Association expressed concern about the bill and the sponsor has agreed to hold the bill on 2^nd reading while an amendment is being negotiated.

Both Chambers return to Springfield next Tuesday.  The Energy Association is hosting its annual Cocktail Reception honoring key Senate Committees that evening at the Statehouse Inn from 5:30 to 7:30.  Please RSVP at 217-523-7348 or email at edrake@elaineg75.sg-host.com.

1. Monk
2. Evans

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