Office of Diversity and Community Affairs Office of Diversity and Community Affairs The Office of Diversity and Community Affairs assists Illinois communities, local governments, and businesses in understanding energy/telecommunications and procurement issues through outreach and awareness activities. The Office’s functions include: Overseeing the ICC’s efforts to increase supplier diversity in Illinois utilities, including the analysis of utility spend and procurement with women-owned, minority-owned, veteran-owned and small businesses under state law. Serving as a diversity resource to supplier diversity professionals, minority and woman owned business owners, and community partners. Developing and maintaining internal and external diversity and inclusion initiatives, including working to improve the ICC’s culture of diversity and inclusion. Leading efforts to partner with utilities, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders in consumer education and community outreach activities with the goal of making the work of the ICC more visible and accessible to all Illinois consumers and stakeholders. Annual Filings for Utilities Annual Supplier Diversity reporting requirements and filings for utilities as well as other suppliers of energy may be found here. Due Date April 15th Annual Filings for Non-Utilities Annual Filings for Non-utilities, including, but not limited to Alternative Suppliers, Energy Efficiency Installers, Renewable Energy Suppliers, etc. Reports are due by June 1st. Required Filings for Coal to Solar Required Filings for Coal to Solar within 60 days following the Commission's approval of the applicant to contract to supply renewable energy credits or within 60 days following execution of a grant contract. 220 ILCS 5/5-117 Section 5-117 of the Public Utilities Act (220 ILCS 5/5-117) addresses reporting and other requirements related to supplier diversity for gas, electric, and water companies. The full text can be found by following the above link to the Illinois General Assembly’s website. 220 ILCS 5/16-111.11 Section 16-111 of the Public Utilities Act (220 ILCS 5/16-111.11) addresses reporting and other requirements related to supplier diversity for entities meeting the given criteria. The full text can be found by following the above link to the Illinois General Assembly’s website. 20 ILCS 3855/1-75(c-5)(11) Section 1-75 of the Illinois Power Agency Act (20 ILCS 3855/1-75(c-5)(11)) addresses reporting and other requirements related to supplier diversity for applicants selected in a procurement event to contract to supply renewable energy credits and each owner selected to receive grants to support the construction and operation of new energy storage facilities shall submit to the Commission a diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supplier Diversity Policy Sessions Section 5-117 requires the ICC and participating entities to hold an Annual Policy Session that is open to the public on the subject of supplier diversity. The Annual Supplier Diversity Policy Session schedules and past recordings can be found here. Utility Points of Contact Each utility with over 100,000 customers is required to provide a point of contact for any potential vendor who wishes to do business with the utility. Certification Agencies Recognized by Utilities Each utility with over 100,000 customers is required to provide a list of the certifications the utility recognizes. External Resources Links to Supplier Diversity Advocates and Certification Groups, and chambers of commerce, that can help promote, attain resources. Find information to help diverse businesses get certifications, bid opportunities, and contacts. Utility Procurement Sites Links to bidding, purchasing, and procurement sites set up by utilities for suppliers. Annual Filings for Railroads Annual voluntary reporting filings may be found here. 610 ILCS 140 The Railroad Supplier Diversity Act (610 ILCS 140) states that Class I railroads may submit an annual report containing information described in 220 ILCS 5/5-117(b)-(e). The full text can be found by following the above link to the Illinois General Assembly’s website. Contact Information Jeanine V. Robinson, Director of Diversity & Community Affairs Jeanine.V.Robinson@illinois.gov (312) 814-1156 Thank you for your interest in Supplier Diversity. The Illinois Commerce Commission is a partner with the Investor-Owned Utilities in order to promote improvement and partnerships to increase the participation of minorities in the supplier contracting of Investor Owned Utilities.