ComEd refiles multi-year grid plan after Illinois regulators rejected 2023 edition

After its original multi-year grid plan was rejected by the Illinois Commerce Commission in December 2023, ComEd recently refiled, putting forth a plan inclusive of increased access to clean and renewable energy benefits, with increased focus on affordability, cost effectiveness and benefits.

Following last year’s rejection, ComEd returned to stakeholders in the intervening months to discuss issues raised by the commission, with two public meetings, six stakeholder workshops and a variety of technical and direct discussions. Based on these conversations, ComEd retooled the original plan to reduce overall investment levels and bill impacts, included a new affordability analysis highlighting the reasonability of its proposed new rates and expanded its explanation of customer benefits to be earned from grid investments.

“We heard the Commissioners’ concerns and have worked diligently these past three months to create a plan that is responsive to their feedback while positioning ComEd to help the state achieve its clean energy and equity goals,” Gil Quiniones, ComEd president and CEO, said. “It also reflects a deep collaboration with stakeholders, whose engagement and partnership helped us to strengthen the plan, creating a pathway for us to support CEJA’s vision at a pace that ensures rates remain affordable for all customers.”

Before anything suggested in the plan could be included in rates, state regulators must find all proposed costs prudent and reasonable. To achieve this, the ICC will discuss and review amongst itself, with other public agencies, as well as with consumer, environmental and other groups. It’s expected to rule on the new plan by the end of 2024.

After last year’s rejection, regulators gave ComEd 90 days to file a revised grid plan.