Illinois Statutes Chapter 220. Utilities § 40/2. Statement and Purpose

§ 2. Statement and Purpose. The General Assembly recognizes the importance of the small business owner to the statewide economy. The General Assembly further recognizes that an environment which encourages the development of small business in Illinois would necessarily also improve the economic well being of this entire State.

The high cost of utility service acts as a retardant on general economic growth and the operation of the small business owner in particular, and has a direct effect upon the success of a small business. Small business owners are either unrepresented or underrepresented before the Illinois Commerce Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the courts and other public bodies. The General Assembly, therefore, finds and states that the purpose of this Act is to promote the health, welfare and prosperity of the people of Illinois and the small business community by ensuring effective and active representation before the aforementioned regulatory bodies and by fostering the education of the small business owner on the benefits and methods of energy conservation.