House Sponsors: LEITCH-SLONE. Short description: DEREGULATE ELECTRICITY SALES Synopsis of Bill as introduced: Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 1998, a consumer may purchase electricity from any electric power supplier. Provides that the production of electricity is not considered to be a business of a public utility. Allows a host utility to impose a lost margin charge to alleviate critical financial distress. Provides that the host utility has an ongoing duty to provide bundled service to residential and small commercial customers and that the rates for those customers shall be capped until January 1, 2003. Provides that the Commission shall consider the establishment of a universal service fund to ensure that low-income customers have access to affordable energy. Requires the Commission to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 1999. Creates the Electric Revenue Use Tax Act. Imposes a tax on the privilege of using electricity. The tax is to be the lower of .32 cents per kilowatt hour or 5% of the purchase price. Provides for administration by the Department of Revenue. Amends the Illinois Municipal Code to authorize municipalities to impose a tax upon the privilege of using electricity at a rate not to exceed 5% of the purchase price. Effective January 1, 1998 except that certain provisions take effect upon becoming law. FISCAL NOTE (Dept. of Revenue) Public utility tax receipts could decrease by an estimated $50 million. Local gov'ts. will also realize an estimated $75 million reduction in invested capital tax receipts. FISCAL NOTE (Commerce Commission, Ill.) Fiscal impact on Commission operations is unknown at this time. Last action on Bill: SESSION SINE DIE Last action date: 99-01-12 Location: House Amendments to Bill: AMENDMENTS ADOPTED: HOUSE - 0 SENATE - 0 END OF INQUIRY Full Text Bill Status