HB5526 Summary

• Amends the Public Utilities Act to exempt alternative retail electric suppliers and their customers that operate a combined heat and power (CHP) system in Illinois from renewable energy credit payment requirements, provided the CHP system supplies electricity primarily to facilities owned by the supplier, its affiliates, electrically integrated facilities, or adjacent facilities.

• Modifies renewable energy procurement obligations for alternative retail electric suppliers, establishing different percentage requirements for different time periods (through May 31, 2017; June 1, 2017; and June 1, 2018 onward).

• Establishes alternative compliance payment mechanisms and rates set by the Illinois Commerce Commission based on utility procurement costs, with payments deposited to electric utilities to purchase additional renewable energy credits.

• Terminates obligations of alternative retail electric suppliers to procure renewable energy resources and make alternative compliance payments after May 31, 2019, though suppliers remain responsible for unpaid amounts owed through that date.

• Requires alternative retail electric suppliers to file annual compliance reports with the Commission documenting renewable energy credit procurement and retirement through tracking systems (PJM-GATS or M-RETS).