By AP/KWMU
Springfield, Ill – An electric rate freeze is moving forward in the Illinois Legislature even as critics call it an act of futility.
The Illinois House voted 92-to-5 Tuesday to roll back rate increases that took effect in January and freeze rates for three years.
It's the second time in two months the House has approved the rate freeze.
Supporters say the rate freeze is the right thing to do to respond to outrage in downstate communities where some consumers have seen their bills double or triple recently.
But critics say it's a moot point because the measure now moves to the Senate, where President Emil Jones remains opposed it.
Lawmakers also urged the Illinois Commerce Commission and Governor Rod Blagojevich to get involved to provide consumers relief.