Governor Quinn Reappoints Doug Scott as Illinois Commerce Commission Chair

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that he has named Doug Scott to a second term as chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). First appointed in 2011, Scott has helped Illinois to become first in the nation in renewable energy and saved consumers hundreds of millions of dollars. Today's announcement is a part of Governor Quinn's commitment to protect consumers and ensure a clean and healthy environment for generations to come.

"Doug Scott has proven himself time and time again as a strong advocate for Illinois' working families," Governor Quinn said. "At the Illinois Commerce Commission, he will continue to fight for Illinois consumers by ensuring strong oversight of utility companies throughout our state."

Prior to being appointed to the ICC, Scott protected Illinois' consumers by working to significantly reduce emissions from the state's power plants as director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). He also worked to support low-emission coal technology, wind power, and other alternative energy and fuel sources. Prior to leading the IEPA, Scott served as mayor of Rockford, and from 1995 to 2001 he served as state representative from Illinois' 67th District.

Scott has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tulsa and a Juris Doctorate from Marquette University. As mayor of Rockford he held leadership positions in the Illinois Municipal League, United States Conference of Mayors and the national League of Cities. He also served as president of the Illinois Chapter of the National Brownfield Association.

Scott's leadership at both IEPA and ICC impacted policies and initiatives that encouraged and expanded use of renewable energy throughout the state. A report recently released by the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, LEAN Energy US, the Illinois Solar Energy Association and George Washington University Solar Institute found Illinois leads the nation in the number of communities using renewable electricity.

During Scott's tenure, the ICC has saved Illinois residents $680 million in proposed utility rate increases and in 2013 secured $109 million in consumer refunds from ComEd and Nicor Gas. In addition, it has assisted nearly 60,000 consumers save $4.6 million dollars that had been charged due to billing errors, late charges or deposit requirements. The ICC has also protected the environment by ensuring that the state's renewable portfolio standards are adhered to by its major electric utilities as well as all active Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers.

The ICC's mission is to pursue an appropriate balance between the interest of consumers and existing and emerging service providers to ensure the provision of adequate, efficient, reliable, safe and cost-effective public utility services.