Quinn says energy rates bill ‘not going anywhere’

Gov. Pat Quinn said groups working on legislation to modernize electricity delivery systems have “thrown in the towel.”

But Rep. Kevin McCarthy, an Orland Park Democrat and the bill’s chief sponsor, said Quinn is mistaken and that he’s not giving up.

The legislation would install smart meters that would tie utilities’ energy output more closely to home energy demand. But some worry utility companies are asking ratepayers to finance improvements that investors should handle.

ComEd said in a statement that discussions are ongoing.

Quinn opposes the bill’s earlier form that allowed utility rate hikes without government approval. The newer version shortens the time period of rate reviews by the Illinois Commerce Commission from 11 months to eight months.