ComEd's request to raise electric bills moves on

SPRINGFIELD — At a time when suburban residents are digesting smaller paychecks because of the recent Illinois income tax increase, ComEd's push to raise what it charges to deliver electricity keeps moving on.

ComEd is asking the state utility regulators to allow the company to collect $396 million in delivery charges from customers. In the end, that would mean about $6 more on an $80 electric bill, a company spokeswoman said.

Hearings with the Illinois Commerce Commission in the rate-increase case wrapped up Thursday after two weeks of complicated, technical testimony.

Now, ICC regulators will consider the case and rule in several months. They could decide to give ComEd all of what the company wants, nothing, or any amount in between.

The utility argues it needs to raise charges in order to keep its electric system running reliably.

“To maintain and improve our infrastructure and ensure reliable service, ComEd must ask for an increase in its rates from time to time,” ComEd spokeswoman Krissy Posey said in a statement.

Consumer advocates, though, are pushing hard against a potential rate hike.

Citizens Utility Board Executive Director Dave Kolata called it a “very important case.” He said ComEd should not only not get to collect more money, but also have to decrease their rates as customers face their tight budgets because of the economy.