ComEd gets edge in power line dispute

ComEd scored another victory in its effort to build power lines in Huntley when a judge ruled Friday in ComEd's favor.

The ruling is not final until the five-member Illinois Commerce Commission makes a final decision - probably in mid to late August.

The utility giant plans to spend $40 million to build new transmission lines, increasing the capacity and reliability of its electric grid in the Northwest suburbs.

Huntley officials oppose the plan, saying the proposed route for the new transmission lines would interfere with future development and transportation plans.

But the staff of ComEd's regulator, the Illinois Commerce Commission, supports ComEd's position, and last week's decision affirmed the staff recommendation.

"The commission finds that ComEd's proposed 'Kreutzer Road Route' is the preferable route," the July 11 decision states.

The transmission lines would run west along Kreutzer Road, turn south about a half mile east of Route 47 and continue south along property lines until they reach Interstate 90.

The judge's ruling also supports ComEd's right to take land along Kreutzer for the power lines if it is unable to acquire the land by other means.

"ComEd has tried diligently to acquire the right-of-way necessary for the project, but so far has been unable to do so," the ruling reads. "Due to the urgent need of this reinforcement to the area's electric transmission system, eminent domain is necessary if the project is to be timely built."

ComEd welcomed the ruling.

"We're happy with this intermediate ruling, and we're very appreciative to all of the feedback that all of the area residents and other stakeholders gave to us as we developed the transmission route," ComEd spokesman Jeff Burdick said Monday.

Huntley officials did not return calls seeking comment.

Gilberts officials support ComEd's proposed route because the alternative route would run through Gilberts along Galligan and Freeman roads.

"We're supportive of the decision, and we hope the ICC upholds the (judge's) findings," Gilberts Village Administrator Ray Keller said.

Frances Kreutzer, whose family has owned the land along Kreutzer Road for generations, said she and her family were "very disappointed" with the judge's ruling.

"The decision came down," Kreutzer said. "There's nothing we can do about it."