CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicagoland residents can expect to see their electricity bills go up next month, but not by much.
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved the second of two rate hikes for ComEd Wednesday. In total, it will add $100 million to customer bills next year or about $.45 per month more on the average household bill, which is less than $6 more per year.
The rate increases are designed to allow ComEd to move away from fossil fuels and to increase energy efficiency.
$46 million of the rate hike will be used for investing in shoring up the electric grid’s reliability. ComEd said it has received nearly 10,000 applications from customers this year to connect rooftop and community solar to its grid at the same time demand for electric vehicles is growing.
“The power grid must be strong and resilient to withstand more frequent and severe weather events from climate change," said ComEd CEO Gil Quinones in a statement.
"Our continuous improvement in performance and our smart investments means we can meet the needs of our customers while helping the state achieve its clean energy goals.”
The increase in rates is the result of state laws that came about after ComEd engaged in bribery.
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