Hoffman Seeks Public Interest Protections with Utility Workforce Changes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Public utilities seeking significant labor force reductions would need to justify their decision and ensure public services are not adversely impacted under a measure being advanced by state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea.

“Large workforce shifts can compromise safety, reliability and availability of essential utility services the public depends on,” Hoffman said. “This measure would add a level of accountability by requiring thoughtful analysis and explanation before such actions are implemented.”

Hoffman’s House Bill 3282 would prevent public utilities from making significant changes to their workforce without providing 45 days’ notice to the Illinois Commerce Commission. This notice would be expected to include a detailed analysis and explanation as to why a change in regulation, law or market factor necessitates the labor change.

Additionally, the utility must detail how the workforce adjustment is:
– In the public interest,
– Will not endanger the quality and availability of public utility services,
– Will not have a negative impact on the safety or reliability of public utility services, and
– Is designed to minimize the financial hardship on members of the utility’s labor force impacted
by the change.

Under Hoffman’s measure, the Illinois Commerce Commission would be able to audit and investigate the utility’s report. House Bill 3282 passed the House Public Utilities Committee with bipartisan support, and is expected to be considered by the full House chamber.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com.