Illinois Commerce Commission: Executive Director Cholly Smith
“It’s all about embracing a new direction.”
“How do we make the Commerce Commission focus on economic development while balancing the interest of ratepayers?”
The States
Illinois Commerce Commission: ICC Acting Comm. Sadzi Oliva
Three of five Illinois commissioners are Hispanic
“Illinois should be very proud that it is one of the most diverse Commissions in the nation.”
Illinois Commerce Commission: Commissioner John Rosales
“Everything we do has a reaction from the industry.”
“Whatever we do, we do it in a way that it’s going to be best for all, and not to be burdensome on the business community and on utilities.”
Illinois Commerce Commission: Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards
“Motto: Dance like no one is watching.”
"Establishing the Office of Diversity and Community Affairs was huge. That was a win for this entire agency.”
Illinois Commerce Commission: Chairman Brien Sheahan
“We are the most diverse commission.”
"It’s essential we continue to attract very talented and diverse people to public service."
An Inside Look at the Illinois Commerce Commission
A diverse group navigating a dynamic time of change
Chairman Brien Sheahan, Commissioner Sherina Maye Edwards, Commissioner John Rosales, Acting Commissioner Sadzi Oliva and Executive Director Cholly Smith
Is Good Utility Regulation in Jeopardy?
Balance and Adaptability are Critical
The three mortal sins of utility regulation are ideology, ignorance and inertia (the three I's). Acting on political beliefs, inadequate information, and past conditions that no longer exist is a recipe for poor regulation.
Arizona on Value of Solar
Turning Point for Distributed Energy
In December 2016, Arizona's utility regulators set in motion a new policy many believe is likely to undermine investment in solar and other distributed technologies in the state. We urge advocates and regulators looking for sustainable models of state DER policy to think carefully before following Arizona's example.
The Electric Utility in 2030
Fat or Skinny?
Debates over utility business and regulatory models have sidestepped a fundamental question: What do state legislators and regulators want the electricity utility of the future to do? Do they want "fat" utilities that play a larger role in implementing public policy and delivering energy services to customers? Or "skinny" utilities that are more narrowly focused on the ownership and upkeep of the grid?
Helping Legislators Understand and Manage Utility Risks
Performance, Political, Customer Expectation, and Fiscal Risk
It is important to help legislators and regulators understand the utility's risk management decisions so that they can approve of the company's risk management strategies. Legislators and regulators are accustomed to thinking in terms of insuring against failures.