The Illinois Senate Executive Committee has passed S.B.9 out of committee by a vote of 14 to 0. According to Chicago-based utility Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), S.B.9 clarifies existing language in the state's Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA) of 2011 to get the smart grid program back on track.
Under EIMA, ComEd committed to spend $2.6 billion over 10 years to modernize the electric grid in northern Illinois. Last year, the Illinois Commerce Commission's interpretation of the law reduced funding that the utility says was essential to completing the smart grid program. As a result, ComEd announced it was halting its smart meter installations. ComEd says the passage of S.B.9 would help to restore the utility's funding.
"We commend Senate President Cullerton for making jobs and grid modernization for the 21st century a key priority and moving this legislation early in the new session," says Anne Pramaggiore, ComEd president and CEO. "ComEd is proceeding with a portion of the core grid modernization programs, while postponing the deployment of the remainder and all smart meters until 2015. S.B.9 would allow us to get the smart grid program - and the related job creation - back on track."
