By Bill Wheelhouse, Ill. Public Radio
Springfield, Ill – Commonwealth Edison Company is removing part of its request for a rate increase from a controversial merger proposal in Illinois.
But the plan could still result in rate hikes for utility customers in central and southern Illinois.
The parent company of Com-Ed is trying to get the Legislature to sign off on a deal making it easier for them to aquire Decatur-based Illinois Power.
A controversial part of the plan has been a provision that would make it easier for regulators to approve rate increases for customers of both utilities.
Now, Com-Ed's parent is taking part of that rate hike proposal out. That will make it less controversial for Chicago lawmakers but could lead to downstate legislators opposing it.
It would apparently make it easier for rates to be raised on current customers of Illinois Power, some of which are in the Metro-East, while not affecting Com-Ed customers' electric bills.
Com-Ed serves about 70% of the state's residents. In a statement from the company, officials said they made the changes after listening to the concerns of the governor, legislative leaders and lawmakers.
The measure will be discussed when lawmakers return to Springfield next week for the final three days of their annual fall veto session.