What a disappointment for ComEd and its many supporters. With help from many, it managed to overturn a governor’s veto to get very specific legislation authorizing adequate returns for a multi-billion-dollar grid modernization effort. And then, after the project was already underway, the state’s Commerce Commission stepped in to nullify some of the legislation’s provisions. – Jesse Berst
The legislation was not without the kind of drama all too common in the political realm. The EIMA bill never enjoyed the support of the Governor, the Attorney General, the Chair of the Illinois Commerce Commission or the AARP. Throughout the process, all of them made their opposition known. In fact, the bill became law only after surviving a gubernatorial veto last fall.
http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/Business_Policy_Regulation/What-a-mess-ComEd-puts-brakes-on-smart-grid-rollout-after-rate-dispute-5175.html/
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, citing an excessive financial burden on consumers, “sweetheart deals” and no guarantees of improved service, knocked down legislation that would have paid for the widespread installation of smart meters and other electric grid improvements.
… He added that the state could ensure continued innovation and investment in the electric grid and create new jobs “without compromising core safeguards for Illinois consumers.” Attorney General Lisa Madigan commented “This bill would have been devastating for consumers.”
http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/Business_Policy_Regulation/Ouch-Illinois-gover nor-dumps-smart-grid-bill-3995.html
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
Now, If all goes according to their plans, ComEd will complete Smart Meter installation three years earlier than originally planned. In June, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved ComEd’s plan to speed up Smart Meter installations.
“We are pleased that the ICC has approved the accelerated timetable,” said Mike McMahan, vice president of Advanced Metering Infrastructure Implementation, ComEd. “This means that more customers will realize smart meter benefits much sooner than originally expected “
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140611006229/en/ComEd-Receives-Approval-Accelerate-Smart-Meter-Installation#.U8H1Dtzn9Qw
Are they trying to stay ahead of the opposition?
ComEd customers can only temporarily delay Smart Meter installation, according to the ICC. It ruled in February that Smart Meters will be mandatory starting in 2022. There will be no exceptions. ”Delaying” that installation will cost a customer $21.53 per month.
…the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has ordered ComEd to install new wireless smart meters for all customers as part of the “Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act” over a ten-year period.
As part of a ruling by the ICC issued on February 5, 2014, customers can refuse to have smart meters installed at a cost of $21.53 per month. “If customers make the decision to refuse a [smart] meter now and incur monthly charges associated with this choice, it should be with full knowledge that this refusal is simply deferring the inevitable,” the Illinois Commerce Commission said in its order. Beginning in 2022 the ICC has stated that customers will receive the smart meters regardless of whether they want them or not.
http://smartgridawareness.org/2014/02/07/comed-smart-meter-opt-outs/#more-603 1
ComEd is providing false information on their website
Our smart meters comply fully with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) health and safety standards and emit RF signals far weaker than the levels permitted by the FCC. There is no evidence to suggest that RF emissions from smart meters pose any specific health risk.
https://www.comed.com/Documents/newsroom/Grid_Mod_Fact_Sheet_RF_2013.pdf
ComEd has had Smart Meter-related fires and overheating meters.
And ComEd is using ice cream to woo the public.
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140704/auburn-gresham/comeds-ice-cream-truck-is-headed-neighborhood-near-you
Chicago’s Com Ed Gives Out Free Ice Cream to Soften Resistance to “Smart” Meters
http://stopsmartmeters.org/2014/07/18/chicagos-com-ed-gives-out-free-ice-cream-to-soften-resistance-to-smart-meters/
With ample evidence of serious Smart Meter problems, health impacts, and an ineffective and costly program, ComEd pushes forward.
Why?
Smart Meter Harm 