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Statement From CUB Executive Director David Kolata On New Electricity
Prices Announced For ComEd
CHICAGO, May 1, 2009—Today's announcement that Illinois' electric rates will be up
to 9 percent lower thanks to the state's new power purchasing system couldn't come at
a better time. Illinois residents have been hard hit by the economic meltdown and every
dollar we can put back into consumers' pockets makes a real difference in people's lives.
The General Assembly, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Gov. Pat Quinn should be commended for working hard to overturn ComEd and Ameren's self-serving reverse auction, which caused electric rates to skyrocket in 2007. By replacing that scheme with a new power purchasing system that puts the needs of consumers first, Illinois has taken an important first step toward reshaping our energy future. We’re pleased that the Illinois Commerce Commission certified today’s results. But there is still more work to do. As important as it is to adopt sound plans for purchasing power, it is equally important that we make demand response and energy efficiency programs an integral part of future procurement plans. We look forward to working with the IPA, the legislature and the governor to develop new ways to help consumers save money on their electric bills. CUB is Illinois’ leading nonprofit utility watchdog organization. Created by the Illinois Legislature in 1983, CUB opened its doors a year later to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, CUB has saved consumers more than $10 billion by helping to block rate hikes and secure consumer refunds. For more information, call CUB’s Consumer Hotline, at 1-800-669-5556. |