Local News

Bill To Increase Electric Rates Heads To The Governor

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:26:16 CDT
(Springfield)--Legislation to raise electric rates to help pay to modernize the state's power grid is headed to Governor Pat Quinn, who has repeatedly promised to veto it because of the burden it places on consumers. The bill's sponsors predicted Monday they could find enough support to override the Governor if he follows through with this threat.

The bill was sent to the Governor on Monday, nearly three months after lawmakers passed the bill. Senate President John Cullerton used a legislative move to hold the bill in an attempt to block an immediate veto from the Governor.

The energy bill would raise electric rates as part of a three billion dollar plan to give Commonwealth Edison and Ameren money for basic infrastructure and a modern Smart Grid to monitor energy and reduce waste.