The electric rate settlement signed into law by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in late August fosters a competitive market, and provides energy efficiency and renewable energy provisions that affect non-residential customers.

Competitive Market
The electric rate settlement calls for all ComEd non-residential customers with monthly demands for power of 400 kilowatts (kW) and over to be deemed competitive. 

This means these non-residential customers, effective May 2008, must either shop for the best energy supply deal from competitive Retail Electric Suppliers (RES) or move to hourly service from ComEd. Customers with demand of 400 kW and over who currently purchase their power from ComEd will have the option to continue doing so at a fixed rate through May 2008. Customers with demand of 400 kW and over who currently purchase their power from a RES, however, may only receive ComEd service at an hourly rate.

Over the past year ComEd has been educating its large customers about the alternative energy supply options available to them.  In fact, more than 85 percent of customers with demand of 400 kW and over already purchase supply in the market from a source other than ComEd.  Illinois businesses can currently choose from competitive options offered by 19 RESs that have applied to the Illinois Commerce commission to serve customers in ComEd’s territory.  For more information, please visit www.ComEdpowerpath.com. 

Energy Efficiency Portfolio
The new rate settlement also will help Illinois commercial electric customers embark upon an exciting, multi-year, multi-million dollar initiative that encourages energy efficiency, promotes the development of renewable energy resources and helps manage the demand for new energy infrastructure.

Beginning in June 2008, ComEd through its CARE initiative will encourage customers to take advantage of programs designed to help implement new energy efficiency technologies through the use of grants, rebates and discounts. These programs will be offered in addition to the various programs ComEd CARE currently offers.

The final programs will be announced in the first quarter of 2008.  Be sure to visit www.ComEdCARE.com to stay apprised of program developments.