AARP Illinois Response to ComEd Federal Corruption Charges

Springfield, Ill. - AARP Illinois is appalled but not surprised by the bribery and corruption ComEd has finally admitted to after charges from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago.

For years, AARP Illinois has demanded answers to why ComEd has been able to successfully wrangle the Illinois General Assembly into massive rate increases over the past decade – padding the pockets of shareholders while gouging average Illinois customers.

On behalf of our 1.7 million older adults and their families across the state, AARP Illinois commends the U.S. attorney’s office for filing charges and the $200 million settlement that stands up to corruption and pay-to-play politics.

These charges are in the name of the everyday, hardworking citizens of Illinois who have unknowingly been forced to pay more than they should—more than they can afford.

Sadly, but again, not surprisingly, as these negotiations with the federal prosecutors continue, ComEd has the audacity to continue to ask for more. They continue to ask for a formula rate extension that would hold Illinois ratepayers hostage for the next 10 years. ComEd’s parent company, Exelon, is asking for another bailout of their nuclear facilities. They do this while threatening the General Assembly that if they are not paid off then they will be forced to close facilities and prices will go up even further.

The truth is that there is an enormous surplus of power in Illinois, and it is time to review the legislation that dictates the rates set for everyday homeowners. ComEd would love for us to use a new system that would hold Illinois ratepayers hostage for the next 10 to 15 years.

The Illinois General Assembly must put the power of rate formulation back in the hands of the ICC, and the ICC must ensure accountability. They have proven their ability to make straightforward decisions.

Finally, it should also go without saying, but unfortunately in Illinois you must, that ComEd should NOT be allowed to pass along the $200 million price tag for getting out of this situation to the Illinois ratepayer.

Illinois ratepayers have had enough.