HB5660 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB095 19900 AMC 46314 b

95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2007 and 2008
HB5660

Introduced , by Rep. Jack D. Franks

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

220 ILCS 5/8-515 new

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility shall maintain a live operator or service representative, rather than a voice recording, to answer customer service and on-site service calls within 3 minutes of the customer placing the call concerning service. Provides that, if on-site service is required, then a public utility shall provide the customer with a 3-hour time period during which the utility's service representatives must arrive at the customer's location. Specifies fines levied against a public utility for the failure of a service representative to arrive at the customer's location on time. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall promulgate rules to implement the specified requirements. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Public Utilities Act is amended by adding Section 8-515 as follows:

(220 ILCS 5/8-515 new)

Sec. 8-515. Customer service calls for public utility service; time limit and penalties.

(a) A public utility shall maintain a live operator or service representative, rather than a voice recording, to answer customer service and on-site service calls within 3 minutes of the customer placing the call concerning service.

(b) If on-site service is required, then a public utility shall provide the customer with a 3-hour time period during which the utility's service representatives must arrive at the customer's location.

(c) A violation of this Section shall result in the following fines levied on the public utility:

(1) $50 fine if the service representative is between one minute and 14 minutes late;

(2) $75 fine if the service representative is between 15 and 29 minutes late;

(3) $100 fine if the service representative is between 30 and 59 minutes late; and

(4) $125 fine if the service representative is one hour or more late.

(d) The Commission shall promulgate rules to implement the requirements of this Section.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.