IL Governor Says No to Higher Electric Rates

If you were asked whether or not you wanted to pay higher rates for your electricity, you would probably say no. And if you live in the state of Illinois, the governor is on your side. Gov. Pat Quinn has vetoed a bill that would have raised electric rates. However, people who are supportive of the bill say that they don't believe that the veto will stand because they will not be able to secure enough votes in the State House and Senate to override the veto.

There are some decent arguments to be made for the bill that was vetoed by the governor. The core reason for the electric rate increase would be to improve the state's power grid, ultimately allowing better electric service for customers. It would provide the funding necessary for adding smart meters to the state's electric grid. These meters are designed to provide consumers with energy-saving information to lower their bills over time as well as to allow utility companies to provide quicker customer service in response to outages.

However, the governor (among many others) doesn't think that customers should have to pay the cost for those upgrades. The governor says that the rate increase is unfair and that there aren't enough benefits for consumers to justify the cost. He knows that there is an intention to try to override his veto but says that it is his belief that alternative legislation should be worked out instead. He would like to see a plan put in place by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

In the meantime, there are actions that customers can take to lower IL electric bill. You don't need a smart meter installed at home to learn about your energy use. You can use energy-saving technology, switch to a lower cost energy supplier and work with green companies to reduce your own electric bill regardless of what the state decides about rate raises. 

Source: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9PNM5V02.htm