HB4159 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB096 11808 MJR 22646 b

96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2009 and 2010
HB4159

Introduced 2/27/2009, by Rep. Jehan A. Gordon

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 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. Provides that a violation shall result in a $100 fine levied on the public utility for the first offense, with an additional $25 fine for each subsequent offense. 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 utilities.

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 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 a $100 fine levied on the public utility for the first offense, with an additional $25 fine for each subsequent offense.

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

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