Smart Grid Legislation On Quinn's Desk

SPRINGFIELD — Lawmakers threw their weight behind a plan allowing the state’s two largest utilities to charge customers millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements; however, they do not have enough votes to protect the measure from the governor’s veto. 

The Illinois House on Monday approved the Smart Grid proposal, 67-47, four votes shy of a veto-proof majority. Gov. Pat Quinn said weeks ago that he could not support any proposal that would guarantee profits for Ameren Illinois and Commonwealth Edison Co. at the expense of customers.

"We believe there are ways to encourage greater investment to upgrade the electric grid and create more jobs while protecting consumers," said Quinn spokesman Grant Klinzman.

Smart Grid will increase the average bill for Ameren customers by $3.40 a month for 10 years. ComEd customers are bracing for a flat $3 monthly increase.

AARP Illinois is telling the senior citizens, for whom it advocates, that lawmakers sold them out.

"The fact that the Illinois Commerce Commission, just a few days ago, approved a $156 million service rate increase for ComEd is apparently not enough for the utility giant — ComEd and Ameren want state law to guarantee exorbitant profits," said AARP Illinois Senior State Director Bob Gallo.

State Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said lawmakers may be haunted by a vote that will be painted as siding with the big utilities.

"I think it is a cost (customers) will be reminded of month after month as they see their electric bills with these increases," said Harris. 

Supporters, however, are quick to say the Smart Grid will pump hundreds of millions of dollars into Illinois power grid. State Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said Illinois has miles and miles of outdated power lines.

"We've got to invest in the future," said Bost. "As we build-out the Smart Grid … it will give us the opportunity to save not only today but in the future."

State Rep. Mike Tryon. R-Cyrystal Lake, said Illinois is late to get on the Smart Grid.

"Our need for (electricity) keeps growing everyday as we buy more computers and appliances," said Tryon.  "This is our opportunity … to deliver the savings that come with being more efficient."

Editor's Note: This article was originally published by Illinois Statehouse News and was written by Benjamin Yount.