ICYMI – Lawmakers in Illinois are considering overturning Governor J.B. Pritzker’s veto of HB 3445 in a last-minute attempt to prevent transmission competition and give incumbent monopoly utilities the power to block rival bids. Governor Pritzker vetoed the bill in August saying that it would put “corporate profits over consumers.”
 
Chicago Tribune Editorial:

A bill that surfaced suddenly in late May and passed in the final hours of the spring session would hand Ameren a monopoly over the future development and operation of high-voltage power lines in its territory. Gov. J.B. Pritzker vetoed the measure, saying it would “put corporate profits over consumers.”

Now, with the General Assembly’s fall veto session opening Tuesday, lawmakers will have to decide whether to attempt an override. The decision belongs to Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, since the House must act first. He has yet to say what he will do.

Pritzker was right to veto the measure, and Welch should let it perish.

Read the full editorial here.

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About the Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition

The Electricity Transmission Competition Coalition (ETCC) is a broad-based, nation-wide coalition committed to increasing competition in America’s electricity transmission infrastructure. We advocate for common-sense policies and solutions that result in competitively priced transmission projects, which reduce energy costs for all ratepayers – from large manufacturers to residential consumers. The ETCC represents a diverse group of more than 80 companies and organizations from 48 states, including manufacturing groups, retail electric consumers, state consumer advocates, public power representatives, think tanks, and non-incumbent transmission developers.

For more information, visit: www.electricitytransmissioncompetitioncoalition.org.

Press Contact:
Julian Graham
jgraham@signaldc.com