ComEd Explains the Work it's Doing in Elmhurst This Year

As part of the Illinois Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (Smart Grid) passed last October, ComEd has begun electric grid improvements around northern Illinois, including Elmhurst.

The work will provide better reliability, prepare the electrical grid for new demands and provide new ways for consumers to save money on their energy bills, according to a statement from ComEd.

“The grid modernization law is a value promise made to Illinois consumers,” ComEd CEO and President Anne Pramaggiore said in the statement. “Our entire organization is now focused on the critical construction programs that will deliver greater value to our customers through improved reliability and customer service.”

In Elmhurst, the company will install 12 distribution automation devices, which provide digital control over power grid functions in the event of a blackout or when the burden on transmission lines needs to be eased. ComEd also will install lightning enhancements, and conduct in five locations in Elmhurst, the press release said.

On Jan. 6, ComEd filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission its 10-year, $2.6 billion Infrastructure Investment Plan that will add new, digital Smart Grid and advanced meter technology for homes and businesses throughout northern Illinois. The filing also included the utility’s $233 million Investment Plan for 2012 and its plan for a Smart Grid test bed to provide “on-grid” locations for testing of smart grid-related technologies and services. 

Smart Grid legislation came under fire last year. Elmhurst City Council members wrote to Gov. Pat Quinn , citing that it would pave the way for the utility to rake in double-digit profits, and enjoy reduced oversight and an unfettered ability to raise rates. Quinn did veto the bill, saying “We’re just not going to sign off on a blank check."

Lawmakers overrode the veto in October, however, after provisions were added that require ComEd to meet performance benchmarks. In November, ComEd filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission its performance-based formula rate tariff, followed by its multi-year performance metrics plan, which is designed to ensure ComEd delivers on its promises.

Conditions of the Smart Grid bill include a reduction of outages by 20 percent and duration of outages by 15 percent, according to a December article on AOL Energy.

The Smart Grid build-out will take 10 years. The company will invest $1.3 billion to strengthen the existing power grid by replacing thousands of miles of underground cable; inspecting, treating and replacing or reinforcing wood poles; and performing “storm hardening” to further reduce the susceptibility of circuits to storm-related damage.

The company will invest another $1.3 billion to upgrade and digitize the electric system by deploying devices that automatically detect problems on the system and reroute power, modernizing 10 substations with real-time equipment monitoring and installing digital meters in every home.

"Overall, the grid modernization investments will help ComEd significantly reduce outages and will give customers the tools to manage their energy usage and save money," the press release said.