Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee Passes ComEd’s Energy Plan

The Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee today passed SB 1879, known as “The Energy Plan for Illinois’ Future,” out of committee. The comprehensive bill expands support for renewable energy in Illinois and ensures that energy consumers and the state economy will continue to benefit from affordable renewable power, a more secure and resilient grid and future energy innovation.

“We thank the Committee for advancing SB 1879, which is a bridge to a smarter energy future,” said ComEd senior vice president for Customer Operations, Val Jensen, who testified before the committee. “This package of investments and programs will build on the foundation of the Smart Grid that we have been laying since the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act was enacted in 2011. It also responds to the demand from our customers for more choice and greater control over their energy.”

SB 1879 places a high priority on strengthening the security and resiliency of the grid by allowing ComEd to invest $300 million in the construction of six microgrids. Small power grids operating within a defined boundary, microgrids can connect to the main grid or function independently, reinforcing power during extreme weather or other events that threaten critical infrastructure.