ComEd To Delay Modernization Amid Rate Cut Fight

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Citizens Utility Board says it would be unfortunate if ComEd delays its grid modernization plan - as it announced it would yesterday.

ComEd only got part of what it wanted from the Illinois Commerce Commission, in terms of rates, for example, that would help ComEd pay for modernizing the grid.

So ComEd said it would have to delay things--like more smart meter installations.

"It's possibly a threat. That would be unfortunate if it was," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.

"I do think that ComEd is committed to doing smart grid right. I think they have a good plan. The most important thing now is that we move forward in a good way to get this done so that we can get some real value for consumers."

ComEd says because of the ICC ruling, smart meter installations will be put off until 2015.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Steve Miller Reports