Illinois General Assembly unanimously passes bill to protect consumers from predatory gas and electric suppliers
When predatory practices by electric companies go unchecked, consumers pay the price.
When predatory practices by electric companies go unchecked, consumers pay the price.
In Illinois, consumers with alternative retail electric suppliers have paid at least $600 million more in electric costs over the past four years than those who stayed with their public utility. The Home Energy Affordability & Transparency (HEAT) Act, championed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, would end automatic contract renewals from a fixed to variable rate, eliminate early termination fees, and give the Attorney General expanded enforcement powers to crack down on fraudulent and deceptive marketing practices.
The state Legislature passed the bill with unanimous bipartisan support in the final days of the legislative session. The bill now goes to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is expected to sign it.
“The HEAT Act is a victory for consumers,” said Illinois State Director Abe Scarr. “For too long, consumers have paid too much for alternative electric and gas supply. We applaud Attorney General Raoul and the sponsors of this legislation, and call on the governor to sign it into law.”
Photo Caption: In the past four years, Illinois consumers with alternative retail electric suppliers have paid $600 million more in electric costs than those who stayed with their public utility. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne
