ICC orders $36.7 million ComEd refund

The Illinois Commerce Commission has ordered Commonwealth Edison to refund $36.7 million to its customers because the utility wrongly inflated consumer electricity rates.

Thursday’s decision results from an appeal of a 2007 rate case. The Illinois Appellate Court ruled in 2010 in favor of consumer advocates who contended the ICC erred in allowing ComEd to improperly account for depreciation of its assets, including trucks, poles and other equipment.

After losing the appeal, Commonwealth Edison contended the Appellate Court had not directly ordered a refund for consumers.

In adopting the views of consumer advocates, the ICC went against a proposed order from an administrative law judge who contended a refund was not necessary.

Citizens Utility Board executive director David Kolata said his group is pleased by the decision.