UTILITY-HIGH-VOLTAGE ELEC LINE

Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that a public utility seeking to construct a high-voltage electric service line and related facilities (Project) must show that the utility has held a minimum of 2 pre-filing public meetings to receive public comment concerning the Project in each county where the Project is to be located, no earlier than 6 months prior to filing an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Illinois Commerce Commission. Provides that a public utility seeking to construct a Project shall include with the application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to the Commission a list containing the name and address of each owner of record of the land included in the primary or alternate rights-of way for the Project as disclosed by the records of the tax collector of the county in which the land is located, as of not more than 30 days prior to the filing of the application. Provides that a public utility seeking to construct a Project may not ask for an easement for more ground than what it has filed with the Commission. Provides that a public utility that has been granted a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the purpose of making land surveys and land use studies shall provide a second notice to the owner of the property, identifying the date and time when land surveys and land use studies will begin on the property and informing the landowner of his or her right to be present when the land surveys or land use studies occur. Provides that the second notice shall also indicate whether the certificate of public convenience and necessity has been granted, whether it has been stayed by a court at the time of surveying, and indicate that, should the certificate of public convenience and necessity not be granted or is stayed by a court, the public utility has no right to enter the property. Provides that the notice shall also clearly indicate the property the public utility wishes to survey, and where the landowner can call to deny permission if the certificate of public convenience and necessity has not been granted or has been stayed by a court. Effective immediately.