Public weighs in on new ComEd transmission line

Commonwealth Edison says it's going to tweak the route of a proposed high-voltage transmission line in northern Illinois based on public input.

The utility has been holding public hearings to get feedback on two suggested routes for the project that would traverse parts of DeKalb, DuPage, Kane and Ogle counties.

ComEd says the so-called Grand Prairie Gateway Project is needed to relieve congestion along existing lines and help deliver electricity regionally. The 57-mile line will connect substations near the towns of Byron and Wayne.

The Illinois Commerce Commission must approve the project, and ComEd says it hopes to submit a proposal by year's end.

Although public hearings are over, ComEd spokesman Paul Callighan says residents can still contact the utility through its website or by phone.

Information from: WNIJ-FM, http://www.northernpublicradio.org/