ComEd: Electric grid upgrades good for economy

SPRINGFIELD — Utility officials and business executives Tuesday told House lawmakers that an upgraded electric grid would be good for economic development, even if it costs more.

Dwayne Barlowe, co-owner of Gaffney’s Protective Maintenance in Batavia, said companies like his that do work for ComEd could hire more people if the utility invested in upgrading the electric grid.

“The more people that are working, it helps to support economic development,” Barlowe said.

ComEd is asking for legislation that makes it easier for the company to get yearly electric rate increases. In exchange, the utility says it’ll spend $2.6 billion over 10 years to create a “smart grid.” It would cost an average residential customer about $3 more per month on their electric bills.

No votes have yet been taken on the legislation, but it’s being closely watched in Springfield. Tuesday’s hearing filled a room with observers. Consumer advocate groups, who have largely opposed ComEd’s plan, are scheduled to testify at a similar hearing next week.

ComEd President Anne Pramaggiore argued that even though the economy isn’t in great shape, the company should get help with pushing forward anyway.

“The question is not ‘Why now?’ but ‘Why wait?’” she said.