Consumer advocates are calling out Illinois utilities for charging customers millions of dollars in hidden expenses that, they say, benefit companies rather than consumers. On Wednesday, Brian McDaniel of the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), joined by 350 Chicago and AARP Illinois, delivered thousands of petitions in support of the Utility Transparency Act.
The proposed legislation would prohibit utilities from passing certain business costs — such as advertising and shareholder insurance — onto ratepayers through higher utility bills. According to a CUB analysis, the bill could save Illinois residents $40 million each year.
“Older adults and working families who are already stretched thin by rising prices should not be forced to pay for expenses that provide no benefits,” said Jeff Scott, AARP senior associate state director of advocacy. “The Utility Transparency Act is practical reform that could save Illinois residents money on their utility bills.”
Advocates say the measure is urgently needed to protect consumers from unnecessary costs and bring more transparency to utility billing practices.