Energy bill that raises electric rates sent to Quinn

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Updated: November 20, 2011 2:21AM

Legislation to raise electric rates to help pay to modernize the state’s power grid is on its way to Gov. Pat Quinn, who has repeatedly promised to veto it because of the burden it places on consumers.

The bill was sent to Quinn Monday, nearly three months after lawmakers passed it. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton used a legislative move to hold the bill to try to avoid an immediate veto. Cullerton said Monday he hopes the governor will immediately sign the bill, but Cullerton said bill sponsors are willing to address any of Quinn’s concerns in a trailer bill.

If Quinn vetoes the legislation, the bill’s sponsors predicted they could find enough votes to override the action.

The energy bill would raise electric rates as part of a $3 billion plan to give Commonwealth Edison and Ameren money for basic infrastructure and a modern Smart Grid to monitor energy and reduce waste.

AP, Dave McKinney