Upgrade of Chicago's electric system planned

[January 05, 2012]  CHICAGO (AP) -- ComEd plans to upgrade the electric system that serves Chicago, and that's expected to create more than 2,000 jobs.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and ComEd President Anne Pramaggiore announced on Wednesday details of the $1.1 billion plan to improve Chicago's electric system infrastructure.

According to Emanuel's office, ComEd will directly create nearly 1,000 jobs. Pramaggiore says the 350 to 400 jobs being added this year will include ComEd employees, contractors, manufacturers and suppliers.

Additionally, ComEd plans to locate a new training center on Chicago's southwest side to ensure that it has enough skilled workers at the program progresses.

The mayor's office says the utility expects Chicago will benefit from hundreds of additional jobs related to the program -- including new tech startup companies financed through an economic development fund.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.