Illinois Commerce Commission Creates Retail Market Advisory Committee

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the creation of a Retail Market Advisory Committee which the ICC said is designed, "to advance efforts to foster a healthy retail marketplace in Illinois."

The ICC’s Office of Retail Market Development (ORMD), in coordination with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and the Consumer Services Division (CSD), sought establishment of the committee, "to encourage more engagement with retail energy suppliers," the ICC said

"A statutory responsibility of the ICC is to promote electric retail competition. Among the goals of this advisory committee is expanding the dialogue with alternative suppliers to ensure excellent service is being provided to Illinois customers," said ICC Chairman Brien J. Sheahan.

The ICC is required by state statute to promote retail competition to benefit all Illinois consumers (220 ILCS 5/20-110). The ORMD director and staff are tasked with actively seeking out ways to promote retail competition to benefit all Illinois consumers, the ICC said

The adopted resolution calls for the new advisory committee to consist of approximately 20-25 members from alternative retail electric and natural gas suppliers. The members will serve without compensation or reimbursement for their expenses.

The ORMD staff will announce the selection process at a future date.

The ICC will collaborate with the new advisory committee to prepare an annual policy session on retail market competition and to create new and expanded communication tools, including a website page and newsletter.

"By proactively communicating with alternative energy suppliers and fostering an open dialogue, we hope to prevent problems in the retail market and identify early solutions to better protect consumers. The advisory committee will also ensure proper implementation and compliance of the new rules," said Sheahan.