December 8, 2022 — Issue Brief

As a growing number of states move to enact a new public utility regulatory model known as performance-based ratemaking (PBR), two recent decisions by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) provide consumer advocates with a new and innovative approach to address affordability and help customers who struggle each month to afford, and remain connected to, essential utility service. 

The new metric, proposed by the National Consumer Law Center on behalf of its low-income client, Community Organizing and Family Issues, has the potential to reduce electricity disconnections in some of the most economically disadvantaged Illinois communities by 34% or more between 2024-2027.