SB2515 Summary

• Caps annual water and sewer rate increases for utilities under Illinois Commerce Commission jurisdiction at a maximum of 2.5% per year.

• Requires water utilities to establish separate unit sewer rates for customers using less than 1,000 gallons per billing period and offer separate metering rates for water and sewer services.

• Mandates utilities provide customer billing statements that itemize refunds, disclose prior service dates, and include website addresses and phone numbers for accessing customer rights information.

• Prohibits service disconnection during pending complaints or disputes and requires utilities to offer deferred payment agreements allowing residential customers to pay past-due amounts over 2 to 12 months with initial payment not exceeding one-fourth of the debt.

• Requires public forums at customer request for general rate increase proposals, scheduled within approximately 45 minutes drive time of affected municipalities or townships, with 30 days advance notice and 7:00 p.m. start times.