In October, ComEd customers will receive a one-time refund totaling about $80 million. Here’s what you should know:
- The per-kilowatt-hour credit, labeled the “energy efficiency credit,” works out to nearly $14 for the average ComEd residential customer.
- The credit is the result of a refund requested by ComEd and approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), as the utility begins to implement the Future Energy Jobs Act. Under that new state law, the utility is transitioning to a new funding mechanism that will ramp up energy savings for customers.
- The act, which CUB supported, calls for ComEd to reduce electricity waste by a record 21.5 percent through 2030, with incentives for meeting energy-saving goals and penalties for not meeting them. Consumer advocates expect the energy efficiency provisions of the act to save Illinois consumers billions of dollars.
Other news connected to CUB’s legal and policy work in 2017:
$17.5 million ComEd rate cut: This past spring, CUB helped secure the decrease for ComEd customers, after a portion of a rate case was reheard by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Those lower rates are already reflected on ComEd bills.
$17.5 million reduction in Nicor Gas’ proposed rate hike: After CUB and other consumer advocates filed testimony in this ongoing case, Nicor reduced its rate-hike request. (Note: The utility is still asking for a $191 million increase, and CUB is working to cut the request significantly. A final ruling is due in 2018.)
