ComEd Squares Off With Quinn Again On Rate Increase Proposal

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is about to square off again against one of his favorite targets, ComEd, which wants to raise electric rates.

As WBBM Newsradio's Keith Johnson reports, ComEd continues to pressure Quinn to support rate increase legislation so it can upgrade its power grid.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Keith Johnson reports

Quinn has promised on several occasions to veto the legislation, claiming it places a burden on consumers.

But ComEd appears ready to call his bluff. The bill's sponsors say they will be able to find enough votes to override his veto.

Published reports say state Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) used a legislative maneuver to hold the bill, so as to try to avoid an immediate veto from Quinn.

The energy bill would raise electric rates as part of $3 billion plan to give ComEd and Ameren money for basic infrastructure, and a modern smart grid to monitor energy and reduce waste.

Following the widespread and nearly weeklong power outages that many Chicago area residents suffered after a round of storms on July 11, some experts said a smart grid would have reduced the length of the outages.

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In:
• Pat Quinn
• John Cullerton
• Keith Johnson