Fein Legal Solutions, LLC d/b/a The Law Office of David Fein

10/16/2026

Update: Illinois Regulators Approve Nicor Gas Rate Case Settlement

Last month, I shared news about a proposed settlement in Nicor Gas’s rate case. Yesterday, the Illinois Commerce Commission formally approved that agreement.

The result? Nicor Gas will receive an annual base rate increase of approximately $81.6 million, substantially less than the $213.6 million originally requested.

The Commission also approved provisions addressing residential customer charges, pipeline investment alternatives, and future cost-allocation studies.

But the Order contains another interesting takeaway.

The Commission reminded utilities and other participants that negotiated settlements need to be submitted early enough to allow meaningful regulatory review. Even when parties agree, the Commission must independently determine whether the resulting rates are just and reasonable.

It’s an important distinction, and one that matters for utility customers throughout Illinois.

The Final Order was issued October 15, 2026, in ICC Docket No. 26-0099.

10/15/2026

Who should pay for the electricity infrastructure needed to power the next generation of data centers?

That's one of the major questions facing energy regulators across the country.

Last week, FERC rejected significant portions of a proposal from PJM, the regional grid operator serving parts of 13 states and Washington, D.C., that would have established new rules for large electricity users, including data centers.

The proposal would have subjected certain large customers that failed to secure additional power capacity to potential service reductions during grid emergencies.

FERC raised concerns about the division of authority between federal and state regulators and whether the proposed treatment of large customers was justified.

But here's what I find particularly interesting: The decision may shift more of the responsibility for addressing these challenges to individual states.

I expect state utility commissions to take a closer look at who pays for new infrastructure, what financial commitments large customers should make, and how to protect existing customers from increased costs or reliability risks.

These are especially relevant issues in Illinois, where regulators are already examining the implications of large new electricity demands.

Data centers represent substantial economic opportunities. But growth must be balanced with reliability, affordability, and fairness.

The next chapter of this debate may be written as much in state regulatory proceedings as in Washington.

An interesting article from Latitude Media:
https://www.latitudemedia.com/news/ferc-rejected-pjms-data-center-curtailment-plan-whats-next-for-byoc/

10/15/2026

Data centers need enormous amounts of electricity. But who pays for the infrastructure needed to serve them? ⚡

That question is becoming one of the most important issues in energy regulation.

FERC recently rejected major portions of PJM's proposed framework for managing large electricity users, including data centers that don't secure additional power capacity.

But the underlying challenges remain:

⚡ Can the grid reliably accommodate rapid growth?

⚡ How do we protect existing customers from disproportionate costs?

⚡ Who decides when large electricity users must reduce consumption during emergencies?

My prediction? State regulators will play an increasingly important role in answering these questions.

States that develop clear, balanced rules may also gain an advantage in attracting new investment.

For Illinois and other states, this is about much more than data centers. It's about balancing economic development, affordability, and electric grid reliability.

FERC's decision isn't the end of the conversation. It may be the beginning of a new one.

Read Maeve Allsup's analysis in Latitude Media - link in bio.

10/14/2026

Should you rush to file for divorce before your spouse does?

It’s a common concern. People sometimes worry that if their spouse files first, they’ll somehow be at a disadvantage.

Here’s some reassuring news: In Illinois, filing first generally doesn’t give either spouse an automatic legal advantage.

Being the Petitioner doesn’t mean you’ll receive more property, more parenting time, or preferential treatment from the court.

There are circumstances where filing first may make sense, but for most couples, being informed and prepared is far more important than being first.

🎥 In Reel 4 of my series, “Divorce in Illinois: One Question at a Time,” I break down what you should know before anyone files.

Divorce can feel overwhelming, but understanding the process can make it a little less intimidating.

Have a question about divorce in Illinois? Feel free to reach out.

10/13/2026

Divorce in Illinois: One Question at a Time ⚖️

What exactly is a no-fault divorce?

One of the most common misconceptions about divorce is that someone must have done something wrong for a marriage to legally end.

That’s not how divorce works in Illinois.

Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing by the other. The legal basis is simply that irreconcilable differences have caused an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

Why does this matter?

Because divorce doesn’t have to begin with accusations or a battle over who’s responsible for the marriage ending.

In this latest video, I explain what no-fault divorce means and how it affects the process in Illinois.

As a divorce attorney and certified divorce mediator, I believe that helping people understand their options is one of the first steps toward a more constructive divorce process.

Have a question you’d like me to address in a future video? I’d love to hear it.

10/12/2026

🏡 Kids need a blueprint, not a courtroom battle.

Divorce changes the family structure, but it doesn't have to mean endless conflict.

TODAY! I'm joining Fresh Starts Registry for a free webinar on building a more child-centered approach to co-parenting.

Less fighting. Clearer expectations. Better outcomes for kids. ❤️

⏰ Starting in just a few hours - there's still time to join us!

👉 Register here: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__substack.com_redirect_ad62d4bb-2D3615-2D4f73-2Daf6a-2De6e98ce5b384-3Fj-3DeyJ1IjoiNzgwcXFhIn0.hKzCRsgpXMuUuvLY6dUDXx9ibdLtdauNxf-2DHrWyVSv8&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=fF-dPQf3VEHGczQtTgsIreynKCQoNJx3zfSRgMjZimM&m=51rHzVmPyYYu8sqNSVQLqwpBNJhdoOSQHXibHoVqLH9LgJ_cAla7EVv6bhif0yvG&s=e2WGl_YIAYN-cGfb8Zb13kQG_HmQ-BeFg5znR9ZZkgQ&e=

10/10/2026

Big Development in the Peoples Gas Rate Case!

Peoples Gas requested a $144 million rate increase, but judges at the Illinois Commerce Commission are recommending that the increase be cut by more than half.

That’s a substantial proposed reduction - and potentially meaningful news for Peoples Gas customers in Chicago.

But there’s an important distinction: this is only a Proposed Order, not a final ruling.

The full Commission still needs to consider the recommendations and issue its final decision.

Rate cases involve balancing a utility’s need to maintain safe, reliable service with the impact of higher costs on consumers.

I’ll be watching closely to see where the Commission ultimately lands.

10/09/2026

A quick reminder - I would love for you to join me this Monday! 💙

When parents divorce, there's so much focus on who gets which days, weekends, and holidays.

But what about everything that happens between those exchanges?

How do we help children feel comfortable in two homes?

How do parents communicate effectively?

And how do we create routines that provide stability during a time of enormous change?

Those are some of the questions we'll explore during my FREE virtual webinar with Fresh Starts Registry, Divorce Support Network & Registry:
Designing a “Child-Centric” Infrastructure: Blueprints for a Collaborative Next Chapter

📅 Monday, October 12
⏰ 11 AM Central / Noon Eastern
💻 Online — just 45 minutes!

Whether you're a parent, a divorce professional, or someone who knows a family navigating this transition, I hope you'll join us.

And if you know someone who might benefit, please share this invitation!

👉 Register here: https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__substack.com_redirect_2478363c-2Df9e8-2D43db-2Dbf58-2Debbbd81bd59c-3Fj-3DeyJ1IjoiNzgwcXFhIn0.hKzCRsgpXMuUuvLY6dUDXx9ibdLtdauNxf-2DHrWyVSv8&d=DwMFaQ&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=fF-dPQf3VEHGczQtTgsIreynKCQoNJx3zfSRgMjZimM&m=51rHzVmPyYYu8sqNSVQLqwpBNJhdoOSQHXibHoVqLH9LgJ_cAla7EVv6bhif0yvG&s=zGKtpt4-jqqXzO5HxnEsrHs1bj53PIxLyLJXekfCIHw&e=

https://freshstartsregistry.com/events

Highwood Chamber of CommerceHighland Park Illinois Chamber of Commerce Northbrook Chamber of Commerce

Events, Workshops & More Community is everywhere — from our Experts and Fresh Starts Events: Events & Offerings Sep 26 September 26, 2026 – October 16, 2026 Making Peace with Your Split September 26, 2026 – October 16, 2026 Melinda Gould of UNtied is hosting "Making Peace with Your Split" a Vi...

10/08/2026

Quite the Thursday! My second professional event of the day takes me from energy policy to something equally important to my practice - helping families and children navigate divorce.

I'm attending the AFCC Illinois Conference today, where Dr. Marsha Kline Pruett and Dr. Kyle Dean Pruett are addressing a really important question:

Should a parent's mental health diagnosis affect how much time they spend with their children?

It's not a simple yes-or-no question.

A diagnosis doesn't automatically define someone's ability to parent. What matters is understanding the child's needs, the parent's actual capabilities, and how to create a safe, supportive environment for children.

As both a divorce mediator and family law attorney, I appreciate opportunities to learn from mental health professionals and collaborate with colleagues who share a commitment to helping families through difficult transitions.

Great connecting with so many colleagues and the AFCC Illinois community!

A good reminder that when it comes to divorce and parenting, one size rarely fits all.

10/08/2026

Three big events. One very full Chicago day! ⚡⚖️⚾

Starting my morning at the historic Palmer House for the PJM Governors’ Collaborative Summit on the State of PJM Interconnection.

Governor J.B. Pritzker kicked things off with the welcome address.

Today’s discussions focus on some critical energy issues - keeping the electric grid reliable, meeting growing electricity demand, and ensuring states have a meaningful voice in decisions affecting energy costs and infrastructure.

As someone who works in Illinois energy law and policy, these are exactly the conversations I enjoy being part of.

And it’s only event #1 of 3 today!

Two professional events - one focused on energy policy and another on divorce/family law - followed by some White Sox playoff baseball! ⚾

A little bit of everything that makes for a great day in Chicago!