SB3457 Summary

• Allows public utilities to apply for expedited review of certificates for new high voltage electric service lines not exceeding 25 miles across privately owned real estate, excluding property already owned or controlled by utilities.

• Requires applications to include detailed engineering data, location maps, project descriptions, conductor specifications, and identification of primary and alternate rights-of-way, with a $100,000 application fee.

• Mandates utilities hold minimum 3 pre-filing public meetings in each affected county with newspaper notice published weekly for 3 weeks, and establish a dedicated project website.

• Requires Illinois Commerce Commission to issue decision within 150 days of application filing, extendable by 75 additional days for good cause, and establishes criteria for granting certificates based on public necessity and utility capability.

• Changes eminent domain timeline from 45 days to 365 days for Commission orders when utilities seek condemnation authority after certificate approval, and applies changes to applications filed after the bill's effective date.