AARP Urges Legislators to Reject Utility Rate Hikes Bill

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Apr 14, 2011, 03:04 ET

Legislation is the Wrong Bill at the Worst Time

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement from AARP Illinois Senior State Director Bob Gallo:

"As House Bill 14 moves out of the House Public Utilities Committee, AARP urges legislators to reject this piece of legislation that will eliminate Illinois' regulatory process and mute the voice of the public, and instead focus on a comprehensive energy plan that fits the needs of Illinois consumers.

"HB14 is the wrong bill at the worst time – it will lead to double and triple increases for electric and natural gas rates for millions of residential consumers and businesses.

"The legislation would completely eviscerate Illinois ratemaking process; it would severely limit the involvement of consumer advocates; and it would prevent consumers from having a voice in the process.

"While utility companies are justifying their push for the bill by saying it's necessary for the modernization of the services they provide, in reality the bill allows them to raise rates to pay for technology that has either not been identified, nor proven to be beneficial for their customers – in other words: HB14 puts consumers and businesses under unwarranted economic pressure, while utility companies obtain guaranteed profits and go on a technology shopping spree financed by whopping monthly bills.

"AARP, along with the Attorney General, the Citizens Utility Board and other consumer advocates has repeatedly urge legislators to stop HB14. We urge the House to listen to the concerns of Illinois consumers and reject this bill. AARP has been keeping its 1.7 Illinois members informed about this issue, and will continue updating them on the actions taken by their legislators."

SOURCE AARP Illinois