In 2011, the Illinois General Assembly enacted the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA), providing $2.6 billion over 10 years to Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) to modernize its electric grid. The Act provides for the replacement of 4 million existing electrical meters in all homes and businesses in northern Illinois with new, digital, smart technology.
The cost of the smart grid improvements for residential customers is about $3 per month. ComEd reports that it will fully pass on to customers the operational savings that result from the smart meters which, over the next 20 years, are expected to be twice the amount of smart meter costs. Residents can also offset the cost of smart meters by taking advantage of online energy-management tools offered by ComEd, and enrolling in optional pricing programs that will be available through ComEd or other electric suppliers.
ComEd has announced that they plan to replace all existing electric meters in La Grange with smart meters starting this July. Residents will start to receive information in their April bills regarding the upcoming meter replacement program.
For more information please visit www.ComEd.com/SmartMeter.com.