Representative Wait: Democrats’ Electric Rate Bill a Slap in the Face

July 26, 2007

Springfield, IL…State Representative Ron Wait (R-Belvidere) decried the Democrats’ so-called electric rate relief package as a slap in the face to consumers.  The package, which passed the Illinois House on Thursday, dismissed lawsuits filed against ComEd and Ameren utility companies and provided the average family in Northern Illinois only seven dollars a month in relief.

“The Democrats’ so-called rate relief package is a slap in the face to every consumer in Illinois,” Wait said.  “I have voted for a rate freeze twice that would have restored electric rates to 2006 levels, but this sham of a program provides consumers no real rate relief.”

The legislation, trumpeted by leading Democrats earlier this week, provides only minimal relief to ComEd consumers, dismisses lawsuits filed against utilities on behalf of the state, and extends the rate increases over a three year period.  The measure also creates an Illinois Power Agency that would attempt, with little chance of success, to eventually reduce electric rates sometime in the future.

“This package not only shortchanges Northern Illinois consumers with a $7 a month rebate, it forces Northern Illinois’ energy utilities to bail out Ameren in Southern Illinois.  The costs for that bail out are going to be passed on to consumers in Northern Illinois,” Wait said.

“Consumers deserve a rate freeze at the 2006 levels coupled with real relief from the gouging they received from ComEd,” Wait said.  “I’m not going to vote for a bad piece of legislation just because its what the Democrats shoved down our throats.  Illinois consumers deserve a better bill with real relief.”

For more information or assistance, residents may contact Representative Wait by visiting his office at 411 S. State St. in Belvidere or by calling (815) 547-7771.