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Help for Low-Income Utility Customers in Illinois
A new law will benefit low-income utility customers.

A bill signed into law by the governor creates a payment plan option for low-income customers, caps the amount those customers pay for utilities, and amends the way the Illinois Commerce Commission can do business.

Utility companies will now participate in the Percentage of Income Payment Plan or PIPP. Eligible customers will not pay more than 6 percent of their household income towards their gas and electric bills.

Scott Musser of AARP Illinois says the new law is good news for senior citizens, many of whom live on a fixed income.

The bill also mandates ethics reforms at the ICC. Dave Kolata, president off the Citizens Utility Board, says the reforms eliminate "back room" discussions between the ICC and utility companies.

The bill was sponsored by State Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood) and State Representative Robert Flider (D-Mount Zion) and easily passed with bipartisan support.

(Illinois Radio Network)
07 12 09 by Newsroom
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