 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 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 Bob Gallo, AARP
Illinois senior state director.
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.
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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outdated power lines.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-Crystal Lake, said Illinois is late to
get on the Smart Grid.
"Our need for (electricity) keeps growing every day as we buy
more computers and appliances," said Tryon. "This is our opportunity
... to deliver the savings that come with being more efficient."
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By BENJAMIN YOUNT]
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