Governor Pritzker’s Veto of HB 3445 ROFR Stands – Victory for Consumers!

In May, the Illinois legislature passed a bill (HB 3445) that grants a right of first refusal (ROFR) to incumbent utility monopolies for regional transmission projects. Governor Pritzker vetoed the ROFR section of the bill, and the veto was accepted by the Illinois Assembly.

Governor Pritzker’s Veto of HB 3445 ROFR Stands – Victory for Consumers!

In May, the Illinois legislature passed a bill (HB 3445) that grants a right of first refusal (ROFR) to incumbent utility monopolies for regional transmission projects. Governor Pritzker vetoed the ROFR section of the bill, and the veto was accepted by the Illinois Assembly.

HB 3445 ROFR Would Have Increased Electricity Costs for Illinois Consumers

Ameren Illinois, a utility monopoly, pushed a bill that would result in substantial increases in electricity rates for Illinois families and businesses for decades. HB 3445 includes a right of first refusal – or ROFR – which would protect Ameren Illinois from competition and allow them to charge consumers higher electricity costs.

Gov. Pritzker Stands with Illinois Consumers

The right of first refusal included in HB 3445 would have prevented competition for the development of new regional transmission projects, resulting in significant electricity price inflation for Illinoisans.  

Governor J.B. Pritzker vetoed the ROFR section of the bill, with the Governor’s office stating, “We oppose a measure that puts corporate profits over consumers.”

A veto override vote was not taken up by the Illinois Assembly in its November 2023 veto session. The ROFR section of the bill has failed to pass in a victory for consumers.

HB 3445 in the News

/ DOWNLOAD

FERC’S $277 BILLION ELECTRICITY PRICE HIKE

Read How the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Failure to Enforce Transmission Competition Will Lead to Decades of Electricity Price Inflation for American Consumers.