SB3051 Summary

• Extends the repeal date of Section 9-210.5 of the Public Utilities Act from June 1, 2018 to June 1, 2028, validating all actions taken under this section since its initial enactment on August 9, 2013.

• Establishes procedures for large public utilities (serving over 30,000 customer connections) acquiring water or sewer utilities to determine fair market value through three independent appraisals by state-certified appraisers, with the average of the three appraisals establishing the rate base.

• Requires appraisers to be disinterested parties with no financial or family ties to either utility and to comply with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, with appraiser fees not exceeding $15,000 or 5% of appraised value.

• Allows acquired water or sewer utility customers to receive rate protections limiting bill increases to 1.5% of median household income for standard usage (54,000 gallons annually), with reductions applied uniformly if necessary.

• Requires contractors performing work on acquired utilities to be responsible bidders under the Illinois Procurement Code and mandates project labor agreements for new facilities, with qualified employees of the acquired utility receiving employment offers.