Media Resources News Media Resources About the ICC What does the ICC do? The ICC is a quasi-judicial body responsible for regulating Illinois’ public utilities. The agency is also responsible for select railway crossing and transportation oversight, including administering consumer protection programs. The ICC's mission is to balance the interests of consumers and utilities to ensure adequate, efficient, reliable, safe, and least-cost public utility services. How does the docket process work? Commission proceedings and oversight are directed by state law and operate much like any other legal proceeding. They involve submission of testimony, hearings, briefs, and consideration of a proposed order issued by an ICC Administrative Law Judge. During this process, ICC staff may act as expert witnesses and provide recommendations as a party to the case. Final decisions are issued via a final order that requires a majority vote from the ICC’s five Commissioners. Docket access Media and the public can access relevant documents, view case schedules, and follow along with ICC proceedings in eDocket , the ICC’s web based electronic filing system. All public utility and railroad cases are managed via e-Docket. Frequently asked questions Public Utilities What is a rate case? Rate cases are formal proceedings used to address the costs of operating and maintaining the utility system and the allocation of those costs. Illinois’ investor-owned utilities, including electric, gas, water, and sewer, file a general rate case petition with the ICC to determine the total amount the utility is authorized to collect and what share of that cost each customer class is responsible for. Appendix B in the Citizen’s Guide to the ICC outlines how the agency sets utility rates. Changes to state law under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) gave the state’s largest investor-owned electric utilities, Ameren and ComEd, the option to file multi-year rate plans. These rate cases complement the utility companies’ Multi-Year Integrated Grid Plans, which are designed to accelerate progress on Illinois’ clean energy and environmental goals while holding electric companies accountable for their progress and performance. How does CO2 pipeline permitting work in Illinois? The ICC is responsible for reviewing certificates of public convenience and necessity in the state of Illinois Any ICC decisions must be directed and informed by Illinois law and statue. In this case, that’s the Carbon Dioxide Transportation and Sequestration Act. Since carbon sequestration pipelines are a new(er) technology, the ICC hasn’t previously made any decisions that would inform what exactly should be considered in the review of CO2 pipeline dockets, apart from the general guidelines provided in the existing statute The U.S. DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is anticipated to issue updated pipeline safety regulations in the near future. Where can I find information on Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers (ARES)? Visit the PluginIllinois.gov website for data and FAQs about retail electric choice. The ICC has a list of questions for customers to ask if they’re considering switching suppliers and maintains complaint statistics , as well as an ARES scorecard based on complaints received Transportation What transportation industries does the ICC oversee? The Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs regarding: Railroad safety and transportation of hazardous materials Intrastate commercial motor carrier insurance and licensing Household goods movers licensing and operations Towing companies operating in select counties Personal property warehouses Collateral recovery companies What is the ICC doing about towing companies? Current Illinois transportation laws allow counties to opt-in to towing oversight. As a result, the ICC is responsible for the licensing and compliance of safety and relocation towers that operate in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Will, and Winnebago (not including Rockford) counties. As a regulatory body, everything the ICC does must be mandated by state law or administrative code. Under the current laws, the ICC has the authority to issue administrative citations and investigate complaints in accordance with the Illinois Commercial Safety Towing Law and the Illinois Commercial Relocation of Trespassing Vehicles Law. The ICC has also published a list of smart tips to help consumers protect themselves from predatory towing practices. Media can access the ICC’s motor carrier search function to view licensing information and any administrative citations issued to towing companies. How is the ICC involved in Illinois rail safety efforts? The ICC manages safety projects at highway-rail crossings across Illinois, including administering funds from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund. The ICC routinely inspects and identifies crossings in need of improvement and publishes an annual five-year Crossing Safety Improvement Program The agency also publishes an annual report on the transportation of hazardous materials, maintains crossing and collision statistics , and works in partnership with Illinois Operation Lifesaver to promote the “three E’s” of rail safety: Education, Enforcement, and Engineering. Visit the ICC’s rail safety page for more information on the agency’s oversight responsibilities and safety tips Other Questions Can the ICC or a Commissioner comment on a docket? No, the ICC cannot comment on an active proceeding before the Commission. As a regulatory body, it would be inappropriate to opine on a decision in advance of the ICC’s final order. Because Commission actions are directed by state law and by statute, the agency also cannot speculate or share a stance on what the state should be doing. How are Commissioners appointed to the ICC? Commissioners are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor and subject to Senate confirmation. The Governor must select one Commissioner to serve as the Chairman, and no more than three of the five Commissioners may be members of the same political party. Who can I contact with questions? Please contact Cayli Baker, the ICC’s Director of Communications, at cayli.baker@illinois.gov Freedom of Information Act Requests Media can file a Freedom of Information Act request here to access information not already contained on the ICC’s website. About the ICC Chairman and Commissioners Diversity & Inclusion ICC Oversight Event Calendar ICC Legal Authority and Administrative Rules News Contracts and Solicitations Employment Opportunities Sunshine Project ICC Reports Freedom of Information Act Media Contact Cayli Baker Director of Communications (312) 793-8841 Cayli.Baker@Illinois.gov