| Smart Grid Law - June 20, 2012 "It didn't take long for ComEd's "smart-grid" law to reveal its true nature. Ironically, all it took was an act from the Illinois Commerce Commission ordering ComEd to reduce its rates by $169 million in 2012. ComEd is fighting the Illinois Commerce Commission's decision. Rather than giving customers $160 million back, the utility giant says unless it gets exactly what it asked for, it won't deploy its 'smart-meter timetable.' ComEd is now busy mobilizing powerful allies: the Senate president and the Senate Republican leader, who have just jointly filed a resolution ordering the ICC to review its ruling on ComEd's case. ComEd stops at nothing to get its way; it will mobilize all the allies it keeps in its vast pockets. It will do anything -- except provide consumers with rate relief. Illinois' smart-grid law allows ComEd to finance a modernization plan through higher rates. It also allegedly will create 2,000 jobs. The law severely limits the ICC's powers to balance the interests of consumers and utilities. Yet, apparently ComEd now thinks that even with its new law in place, the ICC is not weak enough. So far the only jobs that ComEd has created have been lobbying gigs for former legislators who voted to over-ride the governor's veto of the law. The company's hold over Springfield is clear: Senate President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radogno have received a combined $93,000 in campaign contributions from ComEd through October 2011, according to public records. It's time to put an end to ComEd's uncontrollable grid, repeal the smart-grid law and work with the ICC to develop a smart-grid plan that actually works for consumers, not just for ComEd. -- Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois state director, Chicago" www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-120620gallo_briefs,0,6519485.story
So while ComEd customers are being provided some relief, Naperville utility customers are still waging a war with their local utility on the forced installation of wireless smart meters. Residents have continued to question the cost effectiveness of the more that $22 million project and the utility has continued to be unable to provide data that substantiate the savings or cost effectiveness of this program.
The local public utility has skirted ICC jurisdiction and is making up the rules as they go along, often times changing municipal code to their advantage. Naperville faces a federal lawsuit seeking injunctive relief from the forced installation of smart meters on its residents. Plaintiff's are hoping for a no-cost opt out option and the ability to retain their analog meters. The judge in the case has issued an order allowing for full discovery. The next hearing is scheduled for August 16, 2012. | 
