Quinn urges lawmakers to uphold his veto on utility increases

[October 07, 2011]  PEORIA (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is urging lawmakers to uphold his veto of a measure that he says would weaken state regulation of Illinois' powerful utility companies.

The (Peoria) Journal Star reports that Quinn says the legislation is a guarantee for utility companies to give themselves annual rate increases while eliminating accountability.

Supporters say the legislation is needed to finance a "Smart Grid" that can monitor energy use and reduce waste. The $3 billion, 10-year plan also would have given Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois money for basic infrastructure.

Quinn made his comments Thursday during a stop in Peoria with Ameren Illinois' corporate headquarters nearby.

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Information from: Journal Star,
http://www.pjstar.com/

[Associated Press]

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