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Quinn Signs Alternative Natural Gas Bill
New safeguards are in place for consumers who choose to use alternative natural gas suppliers.

Gov. Pat Quinn Friday signed into law Senate Bill 171, which prohibits alternative gas suppliers from using misleading marketing promises or false statements to lure customers, and requires the seller to disclose all prices, terms and conditions upfront.

The law also allows customers to rescind a service agreement within 10 business days after the first bill, limits termination fees to $50 and protects against unauthorized switching of gas suppliers without the consumer's permission.

"Passing these fundamental reforms to protect natural gas customers in the marketplace, I think, is very, very important," Quinn said. "We know there were abuses and I think this law today will stop them in their tracks."

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says her office has received over 2,500 complaints about alternative gas suppliers since 2005.

David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, echoed Madigan's statement. He says one of the biggest complaints to CUB is been about alternative gas suppliers.

Madigan's office helped draft the bill along with State Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and State Rep. Thomas Holbrook (D-Belleville).

(Illinois Radio Network)
04 11 09 by Newsroom
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