ComEd bolsters Pingree Grove's energy supply

A $1.9 million ComEd investment means more power to Pingree Grove and its surrounding areas.

Next week, ComEd is due to complete a project in the village that bolsters the local distribution system by modernizing and adding extra power lines.

They will generate roughly eight megawatts of distribution capacity, enough to energize more than 1,800 additional customers, including new businesses.

"It just means with our expansions with the development that's coming in the future, there's a more reliable power source," said Village President Wyman "Clint" Carey.

Pingree Grove has maintained strong growth in recent years, which puts increased demands on its electricity.

For example, half of the village's 20 power interruptions in 2007 came because of the existing system's limited capacity, Carey said.

"Because of more people, there's more incidents of power outages," Carey said.

This project will also benefit parts of far west Elgin, including the nearby Pingree Creek subdivision, he said.

While the work continues, Reinking Road will be reduced to one lane between Highland Avenue and Route 20, Carey said.

The work is part of ComEd's overall project to upgrade existing systems before the summer's peak usage times, said Jeff Burdick, a ComEd spokesman.

Right now, there are 301 related projects going on in other parts of northern Illinois, he said.

"Obviously it's in response to the continual fast growth, both residential and commercial," Burdick said.