SR0685 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0685 LRB096 21459 MJR 37965 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The rising cost of utilities, including the cost of electricity, imposes an increased burden on the citizens and families of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are deeply concerned about the impact of electric rate increases upon the citizens of this State; and

WHEREAS, In September 2008, Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) obtained approval from State regulators for a $270 million rate hike, which at the time the utility said would boost the average household's electric bill by $4.50 per month; and

WHEREAS, This rate-hike request was in addition to the extra $70 million ratepayers will pay to ComEd beginning in April to cover the costs of unpaid bills from 2008 and 2009; and

WHEREAS, Since the sunset date of the electric rate freeze in January of 2007, customers' electric bills from ComEd have increased about 25% to 30%; and

WHEREAS, ComEd has stated they will ask the Illinois Commerce Commission, the State's utility regulator, for an additional rate hike in the second or third quarter of this year; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Commerce Commission will have 11 months to rule on ComEd's rate hike after it is filed; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Illinois Commerce Commission to deny this rate increase for ComEd; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois Commerce Commission.