Illinois Bill Aims to Improve Electricity Bill Transparency

Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Dave Severin clears House committee with unanimous support.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:13pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) has introduced legislation, HB 5524, that aims to improve transparency in electricity bills. The bill, which cleared the House Public Utilities Committee with unanimous support, would require the Illinois Commerce Commission to create and maintain a public website detailing various charges applied by electric utilities beyond standard delivery and supply costs.

Why it matters

The measure is designed to give consumers a clearer picture of where their money is going and how state-approved charges impact their monthly bills. Severin says families across Illinois deserve transparency when it comes to their utility bills, as customers often see confusing or unclear line items and fees.

The details

Under the proposal, beginning January 1, 2027, the ICC would be required to publish information on charges beyond standard delivery and supply costs, including whether those funds are remitted to the State or retained by the utility company. Severin has secured 35 other House members as co-sponsors of the legislation, which now heads to the full House for consideration.

  • The legislation cleared the House Public Utilities Committee with unanimous support this week.
  • The bill would require the ICC to create and maintain the transparency website starting January 1, 2027.

The players

Dave Severin

State Representative (R-Benton) and House Republican Spokesman on the House Energy & Environment Committee.

Illinois Commerce Commission

The state agency that would be required to create and maintain the public website detailing electricity bill charges under the proposed legislation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My bill would require the Illinois Commerce Commission to create and maintain a public website detailing various charges applied by electric utilities. The measure is designed to give consumers a clearer picture of where their money is going and how state-approved charges impact their monthly bills.”

— Dave Severin, State Representative

“Families across Illinois deserve transparency when it comes to their utility bills. Too often, customers see line items and fees that are confusing or unclear. This legislation shines a light on those charges and ensures consumers have easy access to straightforward, accurate information.”

— Dave Severin, State Representative

What’s next

The bill now heads to the full Illinois House of Representatives for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to improve transparency in electricity bills by requiring the state's utility regulator to create a public website detailing the various charges and fees that make up a customer's monthly bill. The goal is to give consumers a clearer understanding of where their money is going and how state-approved charges impact their utility costs.