ComEd Concessions? It's Time for the Illinois Legislature to Say No

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Sep 02, 2011, 01:19 ET

AARP Members to Reach Out to Legislators, Urge Them to Stand Firm against Utility Rate Hikes Bill

Statement from AARP Illinois Senior State Director Bob Gallo

CHICAGO, Sept. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "ComEd's recent offer of 'concessions' in a bid to override Governor Quinn's expected veto of Senate Bill 1652 can only be met with one clear, simple answer: it's time for Illinois legislators to say no and uphold the future veto, as well as to reject any companion bills aimed at allowing ComEd and Ameren to write into law huge and automated rate increases and unwarranted profits.

"Between the recent tax increase and the ongoing program cuts, most Illinoisans have taken a hit. Why should ComEd and Ameren be allowed to use state law to get permanent profits?

"In the coming days, AARP members will visit their legislators and urge them to uphold the Governor's veto, and to turn down any companion bill that offers fake concessions and false promises to Illinois consumers.

"Consumers need real relief against rising utility rates. Illinoisans cannot afford to keep reaching into their pockets again and again, especially to pay more to already profitable utility companies like ComEd and Ameren.

"AARP and its 1.7 million Illinois members, along with the Attorney General, the Citizens Utility Board and many other consumer watchdogs and advocates are not swayed by ComEd's deceitful offer of 'concessions.'

"It is particularly insulting to all Illinois consumers to think, as ComEd has suggested, that to offer 'bill paying assistance to seniors and the poor' is enough to soften the impact this bad legislation will have. While seniors and low-income individuals do need relief, so do businesses, working families and the recently unemployed in this unrelenting recession.

"Furthermore, ComEd's 'offer' to reduce their return on equity from 10 percent to 9.8 percent is a disingenuous offer that belies the true nature of the bill: it's all about corporate profits, and not about providing a better service for Illinois consumers at reasonable rates."

SOURCE AARP Illinois