Proposed legislation could save Illinois utility customers $40M in 'hidden expenses'

Consumer groups back bill to prohibit utilities from charging for trade group memberships, legal services, and other costs not directly benefiting customers.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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With utility rates rising across Illinois, consumer groups are backing proposed legislation that would prohibit investor-owned utilities like ComEd and Peoples Gas from charging customers for certain 'hidden expenses' such as trade association memberships, shareholder insurance protection, advertising, and outside legal services used to push for rate hikes. A Citizens Utility Board analysis found the legislation could save Illinois ratepayers about $40 million per year.

Why it matters

Utility bills have been spiking in Illinois due to a combination of higher delivery rates and rising energy costs. This proposed legislation aims to provide relief to customers by eliminating certain utility company expenses that consumer advocates argue do not directly benefit ratepayers.

The details

The Utility Transparency Act, sponsored by state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton and Rep. Theresa Mah, would shift these 'hidden expenses' from customer bills to utility company shareholders. Similar legislation has passed in other states like Connecticut, Colorado, and Maine. Consumer groups say the proposed law could save Illinois customers around $40 million annually based on an analysis of rate cases filed from 2023-2025.

  • The Utility Transparency Act was introduced in the Illinois legislature in February 2026.
  • A Citizens Utility Board analysis examined utility rate cases filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission from 2023 to 2025.

The players

Suzy Glowiak Hilton

State Senator representing Western Springs, Illinois and sponsor of the Utility Transparency Act.

Theresa Mah

State Representative and co-sponsor of the Utility Transparency Act.

Citizens Utility Board

A consumer advocacy group that analyzed utility rate cases and supports the proposed legislation.

ComEd

An investor-owned utility serving 4.1 million customers across northern Illinois.

Peoples Gas

An investor-owned natural gas utility serving customers in the Chicago area.

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What’s next

The Utility Transparency Act will now move through the Illinois legislative process, with a vote expected in the coming months.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation aims to provide relief to Illinois utility customers by eliminating certain 'hidden expenses' that consumer advocates say do not directly benefit ratepayers. If passed, it could save customers an estimated $40 million per year and set a precedent for other states to follow.