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SB 3529

MAKE-READY INFRASTRUCTURE ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Sara Feigenholtz and 1 co-sponsor

SB 3529 standardizes make-ready EV charging infrastructure on the utility side of the meter, with cost recovery in rate cases and enhanced utility oversight.

Added as Co-Sponsor Sen. Sara Feigenholtz
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Bill Summary · SB 3529

Summary of SB 3529 (104th General Assembly, Illinois)

Title

Make-Ready Infrastructure Rules Act

Purpose and intent

SB 3529 creates a new framework to streamline and standardize the make-ready electrical infrastructure needed to support electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The bill aims to reduce the cost and complexity of building public and fleet charging by treating relevant distribution infrastructure as a standard utility-led activity, rather than pursuing case-by-case extensions. The underlying goal is to accelerate EV charging deployment, with anticipated benefits including reduced pollution, lower transportation costs, greater access to charging, and potential downward pressure on overall utility rates.

Key provisions

  • New rule proposal by electric utilities: Before filing its next Multi-Year Integrated Rate Plan (MYRP), an electric utility must propose a rule authorizing design and deployment of all electrical distribution infrastructure on the utility side of the meter for customers with separately metered or submetered EV charging infrastructure (excluding single-family residence charging stations).

  • Cost recovery and ratemaking: The utility would recover the design and deployment costs for this make-ready infrastructure through MYRP proceedings or other Commission-approved methods. Costs for make-ready infrastructure would be treated the same as other necessary distribution infrastructure in rate proceedings.

  • Accounting and penalties: The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) would require utilities to provide accurate, complete accounting of all expenses related to electrical distribution infrastructure under this section. Penalties would be imposed for failure to accurately track expenses.

  • Alternative to existing rules: Once the new rule is effective, it shall be offered to customers as an alternative to the existing transmission line extension rules for EV infrastructure. Customer allowances under the new rule would be based on the full useful life of the make-ready infrastructure.

  • Policy flexibility and updates: The Commission may revise the policy based on the outcomes of the utility’s MYRP and subsequent Grid Plan, if adjustments are needed to ensure just and reasonable rates.

  • Efficiency and load considerations: Utilities are encouraged to ensure infrastructure is efficiently sized and operated, taking into account customers’ load management and potential deployment of distributed energy resources (DERs).

Definitions (key terms)

  • Electric utility: A utility serving more than 500,000 customers in Illinois.
  • Electrical distribution infrastructure: Includes poles, vaults, service drops, transformers, meters, trenching, conduit, wiring, and related engineering/construction work.
  • Make-ready electrical infrastructure: Work between the distribution circuit and the charging equipment connection point.
  • Utility side of the meter: Equipment owned by the public utility up to the meter.
  • Electric vehicle (EV), EV charging station, and electrification: Defined to encompass battery-powered and plug-in hybrid EVs and related charging use cases.

Affected entities and stakeholders

  • Electric utilities with large customer bases (the bill applies to those serving more than 500,000 customers).
  • Customers and property owners installing separately metered or submetered EV charging infrastructure (excluding single-family residences).
  • Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), which would oversee rulemaking, accounting, and enforcement.
  • Ratepayers and the public, who could see changes in how EV infrastructure is funded and counted in rate cases.

Procedural and timeline elements

  • The rule must be proposed by the electric utility before its next MYRP filing.
  • Costs would be addressed in MYRP proceedings or via alternative Commission-approved methods.
  • The ICC would enforce accurate expense tracking and apply penalties for noncompliance.
  • The new rule would be offered as an alternative to existing transmission line extension rules upon becoming effective; policy may be revised after the utility’s Grid Plan process.

Overall impact

SB 3529 shifts EV charging infrastructure work from a case-by-case extension approach to a standardized, utility-led make-ready framework on the utility side of the meter. It formalizes cost recovery in rate proceedings, strengthens accounting and oversight, and provides an alternative, potentially more cost-efficient path for enabling widespread EV charging. The act emphasizes efficiency, load management, and integration with broader grid planning.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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