Yingling-Supported Law to Protect Consumers Takes Effect

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – Consumers will have further protections from companies that try to hike their utility bills under a new law supported by state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake.

“With winter weather starting to ramp up, now is the perfect time for the HEAT Act to take effect,” said Yingling. “Middle-class families already have too many financial burdens being placed upon them, and the last thing they need is to pay more than they need for their utility bills.”

Yingling co-sponsored Senate Bill 651 to create the Home Energy Affordability and Transparency (HEAT) Act, which protects consumers from high-cost alternative energy suppliers. Starting Jan. 1, utility companies will be required to show price comparisons on their advertising and bills, suppliers will be prevented from charging termination fees, and companies will be required to get express consent on contract renewals, rather than automatically renewing.

Yingling has long fought to lower energy costs and keep money in the pockets of middle-class families. In the past, Yingling introduced legislation that prohibited utility companies tricking consumers into buying unnecessary service. He also regularly holds Utility Bill Clinics, which help residents identify hidden fees that unnecessarily increase their utility bills.

“No one should be tricked into paying more for energy,” said Yingling. “I will always work to protect people from greedy companies looking to take advantage of them. I am excited to see the HEAT Act take effect, and look forward to fighting for further legislation that keeps the dollars in the pockets of Illinois residents.”