Rep. Amy Grant backs HB5524 to increase transparency in utility bill charges

Rep. Amy Grant (R-47th) cast a Yes vote on HB5524 during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026. The legislation, which requires certain utility bill charges to be publicly listed, passed the Illinois House in a 117-0 vote, according to the Illinois House.

According to the bill's official text, it is known as "UTILITY CHARGE TRANSPARENCY."

The following overview summarizes the practical meaning of the bill and includes clarifications of its provisions.

Essentially, the legislation requires the Illinois Commerce Commission, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, to host a public website listing all electric utility bill charges mandated by law or approved by the commission—excluding delivery and supply charges. State-remitted charges must display legal authority, total amounts collected annually, state fund use, and an itemized summary of expenditures. Charges the utility companies maintain must show the legal authority, their intended purpose, annual collection amounts, detailed use of funds, and descriptions of how spending advances the approved purpose.

The official recorded House action for HB5524 was 'Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 House Concurs.'

Grant is a University of Pittsburgh graduate, earning a BS in 1980.

The Republican legislator was elected in 2023 as representative for Illinois' 47th House District, succeeding Deanne Mazzochi.

In Illinois, each bill moves through a multi-step legislative process, starting in either chamber, then advancing through committee review, debate, and votes in both the House and Senate. The General Assembly runs on a biennial basis, and only a portion of the many bills introduced each session complete the process to become law.