Controversial Bill To Raise Power Rates, Fix Grid Goes To Quinn's Desk

CHICAGO (AP) -- Legislation that power companies backed to hike electric rates for a revamp of the Illinois power grid moves to Gov. Pat Quinn, a longtime utility critic who has vowed to veto the measure.

Yet the bill's sponsors predicted Monday they could find enough votes to override Quinn if he follows through with his threat.

The bill was sent to the governor Monday, nearly three months after lawmakers passed it. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton used a legislative move to hold the bill to try to avoid an immediate veto from Quinn.

The energy bill would raise electric rates as part of a $3 billion plan to give Commonwealth Edison and Ameren money for basic infrastructure and a modern Smart Grid to monitor energy and reduce waste.

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