Pastor Of South Side Church Organizes Opposition To ComEd Rate Hike
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Lawmakers who vote for a proposed ComEd rate hike are being warned by opponents of the measure about repercussions for what they say could be billions in extra costs for customers.
The utility and its parent company want state lawmakers to sign off on charging customers based their peak - instead of actual - electricity usage. WBBM's Nancy Harty reports.
Bishop Larry Trotter, pastor at Sweet Holy Spirit Church in South Chicago, says since this summer they've collected almost 10,000 signatures of people who oppose the increase.
Petitions vs @ComEd rate hike gathered by pastor who wants lawmakers to oppose bill. @WBBMNewsradio pic.twitter.com/I4Si5Mvmnv
— Nancy Harty (@newsnance) November 27, 2016
AARP has collected another 17,000.
Trotter says of politicians who vote for the so-called Future Energy Jobs Bill "we put them in office. We can vote them out of office."
Bishop Larry Trotter says voters can't afford @ComEd rate hike & will remember pols who vote for it. @WBBMNewsradio pic.twitter.com/s2e5zC28k0
— Nancy Harty (@newsnance) November 27, 2016
A ComEd spokeswoman says opponents are using outdated and misleading information.
The bill, the utility says, will save and create thousands of jobs while encouraging more renewable energy.
Exelon has said without help from the state, it will have to close two nuclear plants in Illinois.
Lawmakers return to Springfield on Tuesday for the second half of the fall veto session.