ComEd Trying To Dig Deeper Into Consumers' Pocketbooks; AARP Opposes ComEd's Attempt to Appeal Consumer Refund

News provided by

Mar 27, 2012, 04:00 ET

Statement from AARP Illinois Senior State Director Bob Gallo

CHICAGO, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Once again, ComEd is back at the trough – trying to dig even deeper into the wallets of Illinois residents by appealing a recent Illinois Commerce Commission decision that requires the utility giant to refund consumers a total of $37 million.

The original refund case dates back to 2007 and, in 2010, an Illinois appellate court ruled that ComEd owed customers $37 million for wrongly inflating electricity rates. That means that, for the past couple of years, ComEd has been dodging their responsibility to refund customers through a series of appeal efforts. Enough is enough. ComEd wrongly inflated consumer rates, they got caught, and now it's time for them to pay up.

ComEd customers have seen their rates increase by over $400 million since 2007. Although it may seem small in comparison, a $37 million refund will help consumers who struggle to afford their ComEd bills. What is right is right, and it's time for ComEd to stop shirking its responsibility to their customers and pay the refund.

Unfortunately, ComEd customers have received the short end of the stick when it comes to electricity rates. The $250 million in rate increases since 2007 have now been coupled with a 2011 law, Public Act #97-0616, that will allow ComEd to increase rates every year for the next decade. AARP strongly opposed the 2011 legislation and will continue to fight against any attempt, legislative or regulatory, that tips the balance in favor of utility companies at the expense of consumers.

ComEd's most recent appeal of the ICC decision will be making its way through the court system in Illinois – and rest assured, AARP will be keeping our 1.7 million Illinois members informed of the outcome."

SOURCE AARP Illinois