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Big Questions Surround IL Electricity Plan
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois lawmakers are considering a plan to let electric companies raise their rates to help pay for modernizing the state's power grid.

The 10-year project would establish the ``Smart Grid,'' to be used by all Commonwealth Edison customers and 62 percent of Ameren Services electric customers.

Consumer groups and some state officials, including Gov. Pat Quinn, oppose the idea.

Smart Grid is a system to match electricity production with consumer demand. Utilities have difficulty accurately gauging demand at any given moment and often waste energy by generating too much during periods of low use.

ComEd estimates a $36 annual increase, on average. But once the new Smart Grid meters are available, consumers could save 10 percent in the first year and more in following years.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
05 30 11 by Newsroom
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