State to investigate electric rates |
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Fri, 02 Mar 2007 23:31
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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - State regulators are following the advice of angry consumers and state lawmakers and investigating electric rates that are soaring throughout Illinois.The Illinois Commerce Commission voted 4-0 on Friday at a special meeting to look more closely at rate increases for ComEd and Ameren customers.Rates were supposed to go up an average of 22 percent for ComEd customers and 55 percent for Ameren customers when a 10-year rate freeze ended at the beginning of the year. But many Ameren customers have complained of getting much higher bills than expected, with some seeing theirs double or triple.ICC staff estimated the average bill for an Ameren customer who uses electric heat went up between 88 percent and 170 percent in January, while ComEd customers with electric heat saw spikes of between 42 percent and 54 percent on average. ComEd is a subsidiary of Exelon Corp.Commission chairman Charles Box cautioned that the commission will not be able to provide immediate relief because of hearings and review time mandated by law.'It will not be a quick fix or result in credits to customers,' Box said. 'We simply don't have that authority.'He urged Ameren to give customers relief in the meantime.After getting blasted during a lengthy legislative hearing Tuesday, Ameren proposed an eight-point relief plan that included rebates for the biggest electricity users.Ameren spokesman Leigh Morris said the company welcomes the chance to work with the commission and will soon ask for approval of its relief plan.A ComEd spokeswoman did not immediately return a call Friday afternoon.Commissioner Lula Ford voted for the investigation but said she was skeptical about it. She said electric rates are going up in all states, and state lawmakers should have required utilities to phase in such large increases.'The commission has already done its job,' Ford said.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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