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ComEd has submitted a $15.3 billion, four-year electric grid investment plan to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), outlining proposed upgrades to its power distribution system between 2028 and 2031 to address rising electricity demand across northern Illinois.

The plan focuses on grid reliability, capacity expansion, and resiliency, driven by increased load from data centers, electric vehicles (EVs), building electrification, renewable energy integration, and extreme weather events. According to ComEd, demand growth is already affecting more than 70 substations within its service territory, which spans over 11,000 square miles and serves approximately 4.1 million customers.

Key components of the proposal include the construction of five new substations, expansion of existing infrastructure, modernization of advanced metering systems, and deployment of flexible interconnection technologies to support additional solar and wind generation. The plan also emphasizes hardening grid assets to improve performance during severe weather.

The filing represents ComEd’s second four-year grid plan under Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which mandates long-term planning to support electrification and a transition to clean energy. The utility said the proposal builds on its previous plan while accounting for accelerated demand growth.

If approved, the ICC review process is expected to conclude by December, with a separate multiyear rate filing anticipated in 2027. ComEd estimates the plan could result in an average residential bill increase of $2.50 to $3.00 per month starting in 2028, pending regulatory approval.

Consumer advocates, including the Citizens Utility Board, have stated they will closely examine the proposal, citing affordability concerns.

Source: chicagotribune.com