IL HB1379

Adds Section 9-210.5 to the Public Utilities Act establishing procedures for large public utilities (serving over 30,000 customers) to acquire smaller water or sewer utilities through voluntary agreement.

Requires three independent appraisals by state-certified general real estate appraisers to determine fair market value of acquired utilities, with the lesser of purchase price or appraised value becoming the rate base.

Establishes interim rates for acquired utility customers based on the large public utility's existing rates, with caps preventing bill increases exceeding 1.5% of median household income for typical usage of 54,000 gallons annually.

Requires merged rate tariffs combining the acquired utility with the large public utility's district in the next rate case without distinguishing customers by utility service source or type.

Petitions for acquisitions under this section are automatically approved unless the Illinois Commerce Commission issues a final order within 11 months; section expires June 1, 2018.