ICC Approves ComEd Rate Hike, Rejects Smart Grid Fee

The wacky weather may be forcing you into an on-again, off-again relationship with your thermostat, but you may want to think twice before dialing down the switch.

The Illinois Commerce Commission on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve a $155.6 million rate increase by ComEd.

That means area residents will be paying an extra $3.15 each month.

The commission approved the measure Tuesday at its Public Utility regular open meeting.

The rate hike represents a 7.6 percent spike above the utility’s current revenues, according to a report.

The commission also rejected ComEd’s request to add a surcharge on each bill to pay for proposed smart grid improvements.

ComEd and Ameren, the state’s two largest electricity providers, have been trying for months to  to pass legislation that would pass the fee onto consumers.

The Smart Grid proposal, the utilities say, would balance the new charges with new equipment and technology that would eventually save consumers money.