City of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings.
2023 to 20.
2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago city council rules of
Order and procedure rule, 49. The
Order and procedure rule, 49, the sergeant-at-arms sets
forth the following rules of
forth, the following rules of conduct to be followed during
the public comment period and the duration of all committee
and City Council meetings.
and City Council meetings, profane vulgar, threatening
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abusive or disruptive language is not permitted demeaning
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are not permitted. Clear bags, not tinted in color that do
not exceed.
not exceed 12 by 12 by 6, in will be permitted in our
subject to search health food and beverages incl.
subject to search health food and beverages including in
metal canisters are not permitted.
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to adhere to these rules.
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disruptive conduct and failure.
disruptive conduct and failure to comply. Will result in
their being subject to removal from the meeting by the
Sergeant at Arms.
City of Chicago.
City of Chicago city council rules of conduct for public
meetings. 2023 to 2027 purs.
meetings, 2023 to 2027, pursuant to the Chicago city
council Rules of Order and proced.
council Rules of Order and procedure rule, 49. The sergeant
at
sergeant-at-arms sets forth, the following rules of conduct
to be followed during the public comment period and the
duration of all committee and City Council, meetings
profane.
profane vulgar, threatening abusive or disruptive.
profane vulgar threatening abusive or disruptive language
is not permitted, demeaning discrim.
is not permitted, demeaning discriminatory or harassing
behavior and speech directed.
behavior and speech directed towards others is not
permitted, disruptive behavior.
permitted disruptive behavior, including disruptive or
disrespectful.
disrespectful condo tearing. Others presentations is not
permitted.
permitted, banners flyers, or signage are not.
permitted, banners flyers, or signage are not permitted
backpacks, large bags and
backpacks, large bags, and sharp objects are not permitted.
Clear bags, not tinted in color that do not exceed 12 by
12.
by 6, in will be permitted in our subject to search.
by 6. In will be permitted in our subject to search health
food and beverages including in metal.
food and beverages including in metal canisters are not
permitted.
Cell phones must be.
Cell phones must be placed on silent prior to entering the
meeting room. Individuals must remain seated, public
comment.
comment speakers are permitted to stand only when providing
public comment.
public comment, small handheld devices may be used only
while seated and the user must refrain from interfering
with.
with the view or hearing of other individuals individuals.
or groups failing to adhere to. These rules will be asked
to see such disruptive conduct and failure to comply. Will
result in their being subject to removal from the meeting
by the sergeant-at-arms.
You know what I just realized.
Good morning, everybody.
All right.
Uh, the committee on.
Uh, the committee on Environmental Protection and energy
will now come to order. Uh, today we have 4 items before
the committee 3 appointments to the Chicago Shoreline
Advisory Board.
Advisory Board and Commonwealth Edison's annual summer
preparedness.
preparedness hearing. So first we'll begin with a roll,
call to establish.
call to establish quorum.
Um, chair Haden is present.
Um, chair Haden is present uh, Vice chair, kuden.
Alderman, Lada.
Alder Ramirez.
Alder Lopez.
Alder tabaris.
Alder sik.
Alder sik, chol. Lopez Alder Cruise.
Alder Rodriguez, Sanchez.
Alder Conway.
Alder, Reilly
Alder Lawson.
Alder clay.
Alder Martin.
Alderman, a hoppenworth.
All right, they're being 8.
All right, they're being 8 members, uh present. We have a
quorum. Um, so we do have uh, several Alders uh, looking
quorum. Um so we do have uh several Alders uh, looking to
join virtually. So joining us virtually. We have, uh, Alder
Reilly here. Okay. Uh, Alder
Reilly here. Okay, uh Alder Mana, hoppenworth Alder,
Rodriguez, Sanchez and Alder clay.
Rodriguez, Sanchez and Alder, clay per rule, 59, could I
have a motion to approve? Uh, these
a motion to approve uh these 3 Alders participating
remotely now that we've established Quorum? All right,
Alder crew so moves all those in.
Alder crew so moves all those in favor say I
All right, all those opposed say?
All right, all those opposed say nay in the opinion of the
chair, the eyes have it.
chair, the eyes have it, um, Alders manah hoppenworth. Uh,
are you present?
Present.
Present Alder Rodriguez. Sanchez. I'm here sir. Okay, Alder
clay.
Thank you.
Thank you, chair, awesome. All right, you'll be marked
present for today's meeting. Um, do we have any
non-members? We don't all right, our first order of
business is our rule 45 report from May, which was sent out
to the committee. Could I have a motion to approve, the
rule, 45 report,
all right.
All right. Um, who was that? All right.
Oh yeah.
All right, I'm gonna finish this part. All right. Uh, Vice
share Can Newton. Uh, so moves. All those in favor of
passing the resolution. Say I
all right, all those opposed say, nay
an opinion to share the eyes have it.
An opinion to share the eyes have it. All right we do have
a public comment period. It's limited to 30 minutes out of
respect for everybody's
respect. For everybody's time, each speaker will be limited
to 3 minutes. Um,
to 3 minutes. Um we have 1 person that is timely signed up
for public comment.
for public, comment Mr. George Blake Moore.
Good morning, madam.
I'm Outreach. I bet you've been apologize to us.
I'm Outreach. I bet you've been apologize to us for not
having this.
having this meeting on time.
It's not a good.
It's not a good look.
What the citizens?
What the citizens to come down here and it's not good.
timing.
My reading.
my reading for showing up,
it has nothing to do with.
it has nothing to do with the shoreline but with common
well,
Commonwealth, everything.
I'm
Now you pronounced it, right? The
Now, you pronounced it, right? The toxic the Monopoly and
it's going to be a warm summer.
and,
And no competition.
The corruption that.
Have been.
Known.
For years.
but that particular,
But that particular company.
Several ultem.
Several ultimates have been indicted.
The corruption and Fraud and Abuse.
Is caused by.
Is caused by that Monopoly.
Come with.
Coming with Edison.
Several of our.
Several of our elected officials has been indicted.
Police.
B, it's a terrible. Terrible thing. But what's so egre?
egregious, and so bad? This
egregious? And so bad, this council is a monopoly.
They're all Democrats.
No, check and balance.
No, check and balance is not a good look.
Not at all.
It's not a good look.
It's not a good look and what motivates me to come here.
with the topic.
with the toxic waste from these industries
They?
they didn't want them in a Lincoln yard, so they
They didn't want them in a Lincoln yard so they moved them
to the black ghetto.
the toxic waste, and I'm
The toxic waste. And I'm appalled that when you came up.
Madame that you did not apologize.
Madame that you did not apologize for the delay, you all
must remember you are public.
must remember you are public servants. We don't serve you.
You serve.
you serve the public, because the public,
you serve the public because the public pay you
The public.
the public pay you
When, you know better, you do better?
When you know better you do better. Some of you are
motivated by money,
you are bureaucrats here.
You are bureaucrats here. Some of you are getting paid
here.
That's what?
That's what brings you here.
I'm coming.
I'm coming out of a concern of our 77 communities. We want
all people to be prepared.
all people to be prepared for this.
Prepare.
Prepare for this summer.
Will that Monopoly be able to?
Will that Monopoly be able to accommodate is 77?
Will that Monopoly be able to accommodate is 77 communities
corruption, Fraud and Abuse.
Thank you, Mr. Blakemore
All right, um, there being no more.
All right, um, there being no more speaker. Signed up the
public comment. Period has concluded.
public comment. Period, has concluded. I would like to note
that the committee received 1 written public comment.
that the committee received 1 written public comment that
has been sent out to committee's uh members via email.
all right, moving on to our items before the
All right, moving on to our items before the committee
today we have a series of appointments. Um,
today, we have a series of appointments, um, a 2025 d
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A 20.
A 2025 Dash z001, 75.
A 2025 Dash z001, 7532 and a 2025.
a 2025 Dash z001, 7532 and a 2025 D 0000175 to the
A 2025 Dash z001 7532 and a 2025 D 0000175 to the Chicago.
Shoreline Advisory Board the committee on
Shoreline Advisory Board. The committee on Environmental
Protection and energy passed an ordinance in September of
20.
2024 um establishing the Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board.
The Advisory Board will convene City.
The Advisory Board will convene. City departments, sister
agencies, non-governmental organizations.
agencies, non-governmental organizations and Community
Partners to provide guidance and recom.
Partners to provide guidance, and recommendation on
Shoreline management, preservation efforts.
Shoreline management, preservation efforts and review.
Emergency Management plans,
1 item. The Advisory Board will be tasked with almost
immediately is reviewing the US Army.
immediately is reviewing the US Army Corps Chicago,
Shoreline study recommendations, which
Shoreline study recommendations which will shape the future
of our Shoreline permanently.
Its role will not be limited to the Army Corps plans.
However The Advisory Board will also be able to weigh in on
other items affecting the shoreline, including the
redefine, the drive proposal, and any proposed changes to
the lakefront protection.
the lakefront protection, ordinance and more.
up for
Up for appointment today, our Katherine Alias with the
center for neighborhood.
center for neighborhood technology and Joel Zavala with the
nature conserv.
the nature conservancy in your packets, for today's
meeting, you'll find their resumes. They are also here with
us to answer any questions. You may have
Bill schler with the Delta Institute is.
Bill schler with the Delta Institute is also up for
confirmation today, but wasn't able to join us. As the
Delta institute's annual board meeting is taking place.
today as well.
We have shared his resume.
we have shared his resume and a statement, he is prepared
for his appointment to The Advisory Board which is
included in your packets. For today's committee meeting
With that.
With that, I would like to turn it over to our guests. Who
are joining us in the Box.
are joining us in the Box Katherine and Joel to share a
little bit more about themselves.
little bit more about themselves their experiences and why
they want to be on the Advisory Board.
they want to be on the Advisory Board and of course, what
they hope to accomplish during their tenure. Um, we'll
start with Katherine and then we will go to Joel.
Hello.
Hello, hello. My name is Katherine.
Hello. Hello, my name is Katherine, Alias aishi her
pronouns and I'm a director of urban resilience at the uh,
team at Center for neighborhood techn.
team at Center for neighborhood technology. Um thank you,
chairwoman Hannon um for initiating, the shoreline Advisory
Board and to the committee members for your support in this
Advisory Board.
as a staff member at Center for neighborhood technology, my
work and the partners I've learned with and from
predominately
predominantly serve the Chicagoland region as a whole
particularly en.
particularly environmental justice communities
I apprec.
I appreciate the opportunity to be considered as an
appointed member of the shoreline Advisory Board because as
a professional who has spent time, uh, in water issues.
I know that water issues, uh, and water systems interact.
with each other throughout the city, um, from the
shoreline to the sewers,
And that the best way to take care.
and that the best way to take care of the city, we need to
take work with communities to create solutions that are
feasible and beneficial to the health of the people and the
environment. Chicago as a great
environment. Chicago as a Great Lake City has a magnificent
resource Lake Michigan.
People have engineered managed and reimagined the shoreline
to adjust human needs since the original indigenous.
stewards of the land to now,
this board presents an
This board presents an opportunity for us to again, manage
and care for.
and care for the shoreline in a way that serves living
beings by preventing erosion. Mitigating climate change.
impacts improving public spaces among other.
Impacts improving public spaces among other water issues.
I'm eager to use my exper.
I'm eager to use my experience in urban planning to
understand the problem from community and agency
perspectives review. Plus
perspectives review Plus plans, research opportunities and
lean on my skill set and translating technical concepts for
public.
public and fellow board member consumption. This will
advise Community Education opportunities and solicit
Community Feed.
Community feedback.
through their feedback, we can improve future plans and
implementation for the shoreline from the south to the
north to ensure that we protect this natural resource for
generations to come. Thank you.
Thank you, Katherine.
Thank you. Katherine. Um, Joel. Yeah.
Uh, good morning.
Uh, good morning everyone. Uh, thank you, chairwoman Haden
Vice chair, Ken Newton. And
Vice chair, Ken Newton, and members of the committee for
the opportunity to the opportunity to appear.
the opportunity to the opportunity to appear before you
today as mentioned. My name is Joel Savala, I
today as mentioned, my name is Joel Savala. I was born and
raised in the little village community. I now reside in
clearing with my wife and 2 daughters, uh,
clearing with my wife and 2 daughters uh growing up for. I
frequently visited the lakefront, whether they're walking
its Trails uh swimming in it beaches or fishing.
its Trails uh swimming in it beaches or fishing in its
Harbors. Uh these experiences collectively really.
Harbors. Uh these experiences collectively really shaped my
life and deepened my love for our city.
my life and deepened, my love for our city, our communities
and its natural resources. Um,
communities and its natural resources. Um, however, while
working for the Chicago Public School System, I
unfortunately,
unfortunately learned that my experiences enjoying the
lakefront was not 1. That was shared.
lakefront was not 1. That was shared by many in communities
like mine.
I spent 4 years in the.
I spent 4 years in the southeast side collaborating with
Community Partners and leaders to increase.
Community Partners and leaders to increase access, reduce
barriers and facilitate connections with the Chicago Park
District. Shoreline, in Wetland Parks, these are spaces.
with Rich natural biodiversity and an even richer cultural
history.
history with deep Community roots.
I now serve communities across the city as the Director of
community engagement for the Illinois chapter of the
community engagement for the Illinois chapter of The Nature
Conservancy.
Regionally region.
Regionally regionally TNC is working across the Great Lakes
in cities, like Milwaukee and Detroit.
in cities like Milwaukee and Detroit to influence policies
and strategies that offer Shoreline protection.
policies and strategies that offer Shoreline protections.
And that recognize people as part of the solution to to
successful ecosystem management.
Locally. I
Locally I oversee the community stewardship program in
partnership with the Chicago Park District.
partnership. With the Chicago Park District to work with
volunteers and Community leaders to manage.
volunteers and Community leaders, to manage and Steward
many Shoreline natural areas from Cal Park. And
Shoreline natural areas from Cal Park and Rainbow Beach. In
the south in the far south side to up, to Montrose Beach.
the south in the far south side to up to Montrose beach, in
Leon beach in the north side.
If nominated.
if nominated, I envisioned leveraging, my personal and
professional experience to collaborate with the city fellow
board members and external Partners in craft,
board members, and external Partners in crafting a unified
and future oriented approach towards sustainable and
Equitable Shoreline access and protection, my perspective,
and understanding of the threats to our Shoreline and the
and the barriers that our communities face will help inform
a comprehensive Shoreline.
a comprehensive Shoreline management plan. It would be an
honor and a privilege to serve the city.
honor and a privilege to serve the city and work, alongside
Partners in managing, and protecting the shoreline that we
all depend on.
I appreciate it. And thank you all for your consideration
to my, for my appointment to the Shoreline Advisory board.
Thank you.
Thank you, both.
Um, do we have any questions from members?
Any comments.
any comments, I I would I would say clearly all 3 uh
any comments, I I would I would say clearly all 3, uh 3
appointees are
Very well qualified. I would like to thank commissioner
Tovar for putting them forward, and thank you all for
stepping up on for the uh City.
stepping up on for the, uh, City of Chicago in this matter.
Thank you. And
okay. Alder laspada.
Oh, right before ottoman Conway.
Oh, right before ottoman Conway's motion. I, I did, I did.
1 also say, thank you for reaching out. Particularly like,
I mean, the, the individual,
I mean the the individual Outreach to Alders, I really, we
had a little email.
had a little Email exchange.
It's exciting work. I really look forward to following it.
I,
I think creating these kinds of bodies as we particularly
have.
In the last few years to bring.
in the last few years, to bring more oversight to various
aspects of our environment.
is a, a welcome change for city government, and I'm looking
forward to seeing the fruits of this work. Thank you so
much for stepping up. Thank you.
much for stepping up. Thank you chair. Thank you both. Um
so having no more questions? Can I have a motion if we
so having no more questions, can I have a motion if we do
this 1 at a time. So can I have a motion to recommend
approval?
approval of a 202500000017531? The appointment of
Catherine, Elias as
Catherine, Elias, as a member of the shoreline Advisory
Board Alder Conway. So,
Board Alder Conway. So moves,
All those in favor. Say, I
all those opposed say, nay the opinion of the chair of the
eyes, have it.
I'll report this as a vote. Uh, this vote.
I'll report this as a vote. Uh, this vote is a
recommendation to pass at the next city council meeting.
could I have a motion to recommend approval of a
2025000017533? Appointment of Joel Savala as a member of
the shoreline advis.
the shoreline Advisory Board.
Otter the spot ISO moves. All those in favor. Say I
All those opposed.
All those opposed say nay and the opinion of the chair, the
eyes have it. I'll report this vote. As a recommendation to
pass at the next city council meeting. Uh, and can I have a
motion to recommend approval of a 2025 d 00001, uh, 75532
appointment of William schizer. As
appointment of William schizer as a member of the shoreline
Advisory Board.
All right. Alder Martin. So moves, all those
All right, Alder Martin so moves. All those in favor say I
all those opposed say, nay the opinion of the chair of the
eyes have it and I'll report this vote as a recommendation
to pass at the next city council meeting on June 18th, 20
to pass at the next city council meeting on June 18th 2025
um, uh,
Um uh just my thoughts. I want to thank uh, the both.
Um uh just my thoughts. I want to thank uh, the both of
you. And of course bill. Um, who can't be with us today?
And of course bill. Um who can't be with us today? I want
to thank commissioner Tovar and her team.
to thank commissioner Tovar, and her team, um, for working
with us. And of course, with the mayor's office,
with us. And of course, with the mayor's office um for
helping uh, to make these selections and move this forward,
um, you know, both to
forward, um, you know, both to Alder, Conway, and Alder
laspada. Um, I want to thank all of you, everybody on the
committee and of course, our city council members,
committee and, of course, our city council members that
passed this, um, I know
passed this um, I know often times, uh, we're really in the
Weeds on a lot of really important.
Weeds on a lot of really important urgent, local small
things, and local big things.
Right. Um, but from the infrastructure projects in our Ward
to the small business engagement.
to the small business engagement to supporting our students
and our school families. Um and so much of our attention is
drawn to like the what's happening today, this week next
month.
I think that bodies like this, right? The shoreline
Advisory Board, the urban forestry Advisory board that we
instituted last year helped to bring um, expertise and
community.
community members, most impacted into a space.
community members most impacted into a space that can help
us. Think about not just the today or tomorrow.
us. Think about not just the today or tomorrow, but the
like 20 years from now 50 years
like 20 years from now, 50 years from now and it's really
hard to hold space.
hard to hold space for for both of those things in our
work. But it's absolutely necessary for solid planning for
Chicago's future. So very much appreciate, um, your
involvement and your commitment to being on our, our
inaugural board. Um, so thank you, very.
inaugural board. Um, so thank you very much. Um, and we
will take, uh, don't go anywhere. We're doing like a
take uh don't go anywhere. We're doing like a 1 minute
recess to um allow
minute recess to um allow our new Shoreline Advisory Board.
Uh uh
recommendations to uh exit the box. And for our
recommendations to uh exit the box and for our guests from
ComEd to join us in the box. So um, 1 minute, recess coffee
refills only
Walk you guys out.
Walk you guys out that's not it's not. Yeah, yeah.
Walk you guys out that's not it's not. Yeah yeah but
Guys want to.
All right.
All right, the committee is back in.
All right. The committee is back in from Recess.
um,
Thank you. All you guys were so fast, so
thank you all. You guys were so fast so fast and filling in
there in your seats. Uh, appreciate the hustle. All right,
the next item on today's agenda.
the next item on today's agenda is calmed, summer,
preparedness subject matter hearing.
Preparedness subject matter, hearing joining us from ComEd.
We have Dave, Perez,
We have Dave Perez, Valerie kleti Mark baronne Melissa
Washington.
Washington Lewis been swanger Dale player.
Washington Lewis been swanger, Dale player, Carla fry,
Scott vote, Max Lightman.
Scott, vote, Max Lightman, and Jim Ortega.
also, joining us from
Also joining us from the city of Chicago, our commissioner
Tovar Deputy Commissioner.
Tovar Deputy Commissioner, Jared, picho, and Abigail.
Tovar Deputy Commissioner, Jared, picho and Abigail Von uh,
from the Department of environment.
We?
We have asked City representatives to be in attendance for
today's hearing. Um, in case, there are any questions that
come up during Q&A, um, that there are better suited to
answer um,
answer, um, but they will not be presenting today.
That said,
That said all committee. Members should have received an
email, containing the questions sub.
email, containing the question submitted to ComEd ahead of
today's meeting as well as a packet from ComEd. The
question shared with ComEd
question shared with comed in advance of today's hearing,
were based on what we have, historically, requested
were based on what we have historically, requested them to
prepare for as well as questions that came up.
prepare for, as well as questions that came up in past
hearings during our Q&A session.
and preparing for today's hearing, we also met with
And preparing for today's hearing, we also met with kmed and
asked that they be prepared to speak to issues.
asked that they be prepared to speak to issues Beyond grid
reliability during the summer months, those
reliability, during the summer months, those include how
customers will be impacted by proposed Federal cuts to lip
and what they're doing to prepare for those changes.
and what they're doing to prepare for those changes,
increased Demand on the grid due to more data.
increased Demand on the grid due to more data centers
coming online and how that impacts both reliability and
affordability upcoming rate increases that customers will
see on their bills and how they're balancing all of these.
see on their bills and how they're balancing all of these
items with continued Investments and our grid and clean
energy.
I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that this summer.
I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that. This summer
also marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995.
also marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Heatwave,
where? More than 700 deaths occurred?
more than 700 deaths occurred as a result of prolonged
excessively, high temperatures.
excessively, high temperatures and rolling blackouts
those deaths are the impetus for the
Those deaths are the impetus for these annual grid
reliability hearings.
I would like,
I would like us all to take a moment of silence to honor.
those who needlessly died, 30 years ago.
Thank you met their deaths.
Thank you, met their deaths. Continue to push the city and
our partners to better prepare.
our partners to better prepare and respond to emergencies
now and in the future.
And now turn it over to our guests from.
And now turn it over to our guest from kmed so they can
formally introduce themselves and share.
formally introduce themselves and share data and Analysis
on grid reliability, as we enter.
on grid. Reliability, as we enter our hot summer months.
Good morning and thank you, share.
Good morning and thank you. Sher Haden, Vice chair, Ken and
members of the Environmental Protection and energy
committee for the opportunity to discuss comments.
preparedness plans.
I Am David Perez.
Comments, Chief Operating Officer.
Comments Chief Operating Officer. I am joined today by
members of our senior leadership team and subject matter
experts Melissa Washington, Senior vice president of
customer operations and strategic initiatives.
Mark bernick, senior vice president.
Of Technical Services, Valerie.
Of Technical Services, Valerie kleti senior, vice president
of distribution operations.
of distribution operations, Louie Binswanger, senior vice
president.
president of governmental Regulatory and external.
president of governmental Regulatory and external affairs.
Scott Vogue vice president of.
Scott Vogue vice president of energy policy and acquisition
Dale.
Dale player, vice president of engineering and smart grid.
Dale player, vice president of engineering, and smart grid
Carla, Free vice president of transmission.
Carla, Free vice president of transmission and substation.
Engineering Max.
engineering Max Lightman, director of Economic and
Workforce.
Development. High, may Ortega director of grid Analytics
We are.
We are, we are also joined by our awesome members.
We are, we are also joined by our awesome members of our
external Affairs team KES.
external Affairs. Team Kesha, Parker vice president of
external and legislative affairs and again her awesome.
external and legislative affairs and again her awesome team
Della Vargas Omar.
Della Vargas Omar Martinez, latanza Sanders. Corey fost.
Della Vargas Omar Martinez, latanza Sanders. Corey Foster
Lakesha, shed and Gus LOM.
Lakesha, shed and Gus Lomas, who work with you on a daily
basis. To make sure we are meeting the needs of all of our
customers. In the city of Chicago,
I want to thank them for their diligence in.
I want to thank them for their diligence and advancing the
partnership between ComEd and the City.
partnership between ComEd and the city as we work together
to bring clean.
to bring clean, reliable power to Chicago residents.
to bring clean, reliable power to Chicago residents and
businesses.
I was before this.
I was before this committee last year and I've had the
pleasure of meeting.
pleasure of meeting with several of you to discuss your
prior.
priorities for your communities.
As always.
As always, I look forward to working with all members of
the city council to make certain our plans are clear.
the city council to make certain. Our plans are clear and
that your questions are answered.
before we get into our report, I
Before we get into our report, I want to take a minute to
talk about cost impacts.
talk about cost impacts that are coming to customer bills.
Last Summer pjm the
Last Summer, pjm the organization that manages the
wholesale electricity.
wholesale electricity market and transmission system for
many States including Illinois held its
many States, including Illinois held its annual capacity
auction.
For.
For reasons, including power, plant retirements.
For reasons, including power, plant retirements increased
demand for power changes to Regional.
demand for power changes to regional market rules and more
frequent instances of extreme weather. The auction-based
capacity prices applicable in Illinois. Starting June, 1st
2025 have risen significantly
The.
The average residential customer bill will see.
The average residential customer bill will see a net
monthly increase of about 10 dollars.
monthly increase of about $10.60 depending on energy usage.
This cost shows up.
This cost shows up in in the supply portion of the Comet
bill
And will begin to appear on July bills.
Comment does not profit.
Comet does not profit from this. Increase was not part of
the auction does not supply capacity. And
the auction does not supply capacity and does not retain
any proceeds of the capacity.
any proceeds of the capacity, charge payments.
We know.
We know any increases tough for our customers.
So we're stepping up to support.
So we're stepping up to support them, as energy costs are
on the rise.
on the rise this summer.
Just yesterday, we announced.
Just yesterday we announced the ComEd, customer Relief
Fund.
backed by a 10 million dollar donation.
backed by a 10 million dollar donation from ixalan to help
customers. Most
customers most impacted by the increases.
We've.
We've tapped The Neighborhood Housing Services, and the
salvation.
Salvation Army to help deploy 1-time.
Salvation Army to help deploy 1-time grants.
Applications for those.
applications for those funds will be available July 7th at
comet.com relief.
Eligible, residential customers.
Eligible residential customers at or below 300% of the
federal poverty line.
and with past to balances, May
And with past to balances, may qualify for Grants up to
$100.
Nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofit organizations with pass through balances, may
qualify for Grants.
qualify for Grants up to $1,000.
This new.
this new 1-time Relief Fund is in addition to the
long-standing menu of bill assistance.
long-standing menu of bill. Assistance Support options
comment offers for our customers facing economic hardship.
Last year alone, we connected over
last year alone, we connected over 229,000 customers with
Last year alone, we connected over 229,000 customers with
133, million in financial.
133, million in financial assistance, and other Support
options.
60 million of which went to over.
60 million of which went to over 114,000, customers in the
city.
city of Chicago.
Our external Affairs team will be re will be working.
Our external Affairs team will be re will be working with
you and your offices to provide.
you and your offices to provide information about these
programs that you can take to your constituents.
we will also be present at community events through
We will also be present at community events throughout the
year to provide information to attend.
year to provide information to attendees.
We will remain.
We will remain in regular contact with all of you about our
work.
work to help customers admit the capacity.
work to help customers. Admit the capacity cost increases.
Today, we're proud to provide an update.
Today, we're proud to provide an update on Comet summer.
Preparedness efforts, including an overview of our
reliability.
reliability performance. In other words,
How our system?
How our system holds up and provides an essential.
How our system holds up and provides an essential service
to our customers rain or shine.
Through our investments in the Chicago.
Through our investments in the Chicago grid, we have
achieved industry-leading reliability.
achieved industry-leading reliability with the city's
overall Arielle.
overall reliability, improving by 86%.
overall. Reliability. Improving by 86% better than the
historical average.
In 2024 Chicago.
In 2024 Chicago, customers experienced a 99.
In 2024 Chicago, customers experienced, a 99.9% reliability
rate.
rate while Comet customers as a whole exper.
rate while Comet customers as a whole experience, a 99.98%.
rate while Comet customers as a whole experience. A 99.98%,
reliability rate.
In 20.
In 2024, more than 1.2 million of Chicago.
in 2024, more than 1.2 million of Chicago's customers which
amounts for 94,
amounts for 94% experienced, either zero interrupt,
amounts for 94% experienced either zero interruptions, or
just 1,
this is the best performance on record the
This is the best performance on record. The performance in
2024, was 28%.
2024 was 28% better than the historical average from 2007
to 2011.
These performance gains were recogn.
These performance gains were recognized by PA Consulting as
k.
as kmad was named the most reliable utility.
as kmad was named the most reliable utility in the midwest
last year.
We're Focus.
We're focused on ensuring all our communities have.
We're focused on ensuring all our communities have reliable
power, including vulnerable communities.
power, including vulnerable communities or what, in
Illinois, we refer to, as Equity investment, eligible
communities or
communities, or ECS.
It's worth.
It's worth noting that the majority of Chicago's.
it's worth noting that the majority of Chicago's eic's have
better reliability than the city average.
By Design.
By Design our grid Investments prioritize.
By Design our grid Investments. Prioritize reliability
improvements for areas most.
improvements for areas most vulnerable to storms and the
effects.
effects of climate change.
20.
2025 is off to a strong start and we are well positioned to
deliver strong reliability.
deliver, strong reliability this summer across every
community.
community in the city of Chicago.
Today, we are engaged with all of you.
today, we are engaged with all of you, our customers and
communities, to ensure our
communities to ensure our system is performing reliably and
equitably.
While we are proud of the progress.
While we are proud of the progress, we are making to
improve this service to our customers. We are not stopping
there.
We take.
We take seriously our responsibility to our customers to
maintain the system.
We?
We aren't going to be satisfied with the status quo. We
continue to meet quarterly with the city.
continue to meet quarterly with the city to review, our
reliability performance.
Comet conducts. EXT.
Comet, conducts, extensive summer, preparedness planning.
And
and exercises to ensure. We are ready to accommodate the
summer Peak load season and the Heat and weather.
summer Peak load season and the Heat and weather factors
placed upon the grid.
1 key area of focus, throughout all of this.
1 key area of focus, throughout all of this is ensuring the
grid is prepared for severe weather.
The last several years have demonstrated.
The last several years have demonstrated that inclement
weather can happen at any time.
weather can happen at any time, which means we must be.
prepared all the time.
Conditions.
Conditions in the city and across the country are getting
hotter.
hotter and wetter due to climate change. Many of you know,
Summers that are typically marked with thunderstorms and
high. Winds have grown increasingly more severe and fre and
frequent.
And Chicago continues.
And Chicago continues to see the number of 90 degree or
higher days.
higher days increase.
Our preparation efforts.
Our preparation efforts include operational Readiness
drills. And
drills and exercises. Flood mitigation plans,
drills and exercises. Flood. Mitigation plans, ensuring
critical work is complete prior to Summer and ensuring
proper stocking levels.
proper stocking levels of all key equipment.
We have.
We have avoided over 3.1 million.
We have avoided over 3.1 million customer interruptions in
Chicago since
Chicago. Since 2012 to thanks to the install.
Chicago. Since 2012 to thanks to the installation of over
4,600.
4,600 smart switches or distribution automation.
4,600 smart switches or distribution automation devices.
Unpredictable weather.
Unpredictable, weather is a constant reminder of our need
to continue to make investments to modernize our grid.
also, supporting our
Also supporting our summer Readiness is the strong
collaboration.
collaboration we have with the city of Chicago oper.
collaboration. We have with the city of Chicago operations
team, including the OEM.
team, including the oemc, the department of environment,
the department.
the department of buildings, C Dot, and other key.
the department of buildings, C, Dot, and other key City
agencies closest to our infrastructure.
This includes a strong partnership.
This includes a strong partnership and recognition by C dot
for our leadership.
for our leadership and damage prevention and excavator
safety.
Since 2018.
since 2018 Kad has had a full-time member of our
Since 2018, Kad has had a full-time member of our core team
embedded in the oemc to support real-time alignment
enabling planning and coordination with the city's
agencies.
agencies during and in advance of emergency events,
Our oemc partnership has been crit.
our oemc partnership has been critical for restoring,
customer outages and repairs during storms.
Coordin.
Coordinating emergency preparedness plans for Citywide.
Coordinating, emergency preparedness, plans for Citywide
large-scale events and to support City.
large-scale events and to support City teams working in and
around our power.
around our power infrastructure safely.
The high level of coordination will continue to be.
The high level of coordination will continue to be
essential as the city and calmed work.
essential as the city and calmed work together in 2025, to
support the needs.
support the needs of residents and businesses.
Customers are at the center of.
Customers are at the center of everything we do.
We recognize the hardship that many of our communities
face.
face, and we are actively working to deliver Solutions.
face, and we are actively working to deliver solutions that
will help. Keep the lights on and keep.
will help. Keep the lights on and keep bills. Affordable
for all our customers.
Last year, we connected.
Last year we connected approximately 229,000 eligible.
last year, we connected approximately 229,000 eligible
customers to roughly 133 million in financial assistance
approximately 60 million of this assistance.
approximately 60 million of this assistance went to
customers in the city of Chicago and we continue to find
new ways to support.
new ways to support customers in need
last year.
Last year Comet attended 84 Community event.
Last year calmed attended 84 Community, event days,
throughout the city, educating nearly 32.
throughout the city, educating nearly 32,000 customers
about consumer protection.
Scam prevention.
Scam prevention, Energy, Management. Solar beneficial
electrification.
electrification and financial assistance programs.
Virtual events, bilingual.
virtual events, bilingual brochures and educational kiosks
provided
Provided customers with information about online energy.
Management tools, as well as information on.
Management tools, as well as information on our
industry-leading and energy.
industry-leading and Energy Efficiency program, which has
collectively helped customers save more than 11 billion.
collectively helped customers save more than 11 billion
since its Inception.
We?
We also worked with Community Partners to connect customers
to Grants and other Assistance programs through our
nationally recognized powering lives.
nationally recognized powering lives resource spares which
are collaborations with Community organizations to identify
and deliver services. That local families.
and deliver services. That local families need the most
through nearly a
Through nearly a half a dozen fairs across Northern
Illinois.
Through nearly a half a dozen fairs across Northern Illinois
in 2024. Kmed provided
in 2024, kmed provided 1,600 families in underserved
neighborhoods with education and tailored support.
neighborhoods with education and tailored support services
including bill assistance options.
including bill assistance options, Workforce Development
opportunities.
opportunities, Family Care, programs, and health
screenings.
Comment connected. More than 3 quarters of those.
comment connected, more than 3 quarters of those families
to financial assistance and other Support options.
This work.
This work continues this year. We attended our first
This work continues this year. We attended, our first
community resource fair in April at the North shadam,
community's home Expo. Looking ahead. The next Chicago
resource Fair,
resource fair is scheduled for July 26th at the are Arthur
lucard Institute in the Austin neighborhood.
To help those who.
To help those who continue to face hardship. Next year.
Come
kmed will launch a new low-income.
kmed will launch a new low-income discount rate.
the goal of this program is,
The goal of this program is to alleviate the energy burden
and to keep energy costs below 3 to 6%.
and to keep energy costs below 3 to 6% of total household
income.
in addition, We are continuing to ensure that
In addition, We are continuing to ensure that the clean
energy transition creates jobs.
energy transition creates jobs and opportunities for local
business.
businesses and individuals.
We continue to invest in diverse suppliers. And in 2024, we
spent 797 million.
spent 797 million with these firms.
This includes.
This includes 120 million with Chicago.
This includes 120 million with Chicago based diverse
suppliers.
This represents 36.9%.
This represents 36.9% of our total spend with suppliers.
We're also working in Partnership.
We're also working in partnership with local agencies to
create training.
create training and job programs that will ready.
create training and job programs that will ready the local
Workforce for well-paying.
Workforce for well-paying careers in the construction and
clean energy.
clean energy fields.
This includes growing our partnership with the city
colleges.
colleges CPS and other Workforce agencies to offer,
training to adults and youth alike.
All in all these.
all in all these programs, reach 1,000 residents from the
region each year.
We are.
We are actively responding to evolving demands. As
communities and customers, increasingly shift.
communities and customers increasingly shift to cleaner and
more efficient techn.
more efficient Technologies to address climate change.
This includes launching programs to expand.
This includes launching programs to expand solar and
Renewables with new customer.
Renewables with new customer resources and incentives.
Through.
through our investments in electrification, including
Through our investments in electrification including EVS,
we are empowering customers to lower.
we are empowering customers to lower pollution from carbon
emissions.
emissions, what they focus on those communities. Most
historically, impacted by pollution and air quality.
historically, impacted by pollution and air quality issues.
Our energy. Our electric vehicle rebate, programs for
Our energy. Our electric vehicle rebate programs. First
launched in 2023 have since awarded 10 million to Chicago.
customers bringing over 300 new.
customers bringing over 300 new or pre-owned all electric
fleet vehicles.
fleet vehicles and more than 100 new charging ports.
fleet vehicles and more than 100 new charging ports across
the city.
We continue to accept.
We continue to accept applications for commercial and re
and residential EV rebates and just
and residential EV rebates. And just recently announced
that this program will expand with another nearly 170.
million in funding approved by the ICC.
million in funding approved by the ICC, the ComEd EV
program.
programs, importantly place a key focus on equ.
programs, importantly, place a key, focus on equity.
Receiving reserving.
receiving reserving, half of all funds for
Receiving reserving half of all funds for eiec customers
and communities.
Additionally, through our whole.
additionally, through our whole home electric program, we
have worked with Energy Partners to conduct retrofits on,
183 low-income homes.
183, low-income homes across the city.
This program is helping.
This program is helping reduce energy usage.
This program is helping reduce energy usage in turn
creating Bill savings for the customer while.
creating Bill savings for the customer while lowering
carbon emissions for the surround.
carbon emissions for the surrounding community.
As Comet expands.
As Comet expands access to solar, we have seen dramatic.
growth of these projects in the city.
With.
With more than 383.
with more than 383 commercial, solar systems today up from
just 15 solar sites in 2015.
What's more in?
What's more in Chicago? We now have 11,000.
What's more in Chicago? We now have 11,000 interconnected
residential solar systems,
residential, solar systems up from just 81 a decade.
residential, solar systems up from just 81 a decade ago.
And finally members.
And finally, members of the council were on hand with us
last year.
last year, as we commissioned the Bronzeville. Community
micro grid a first of its kind project, which is supporting
cha Dearborn homes.
cha Dearborn homes with affordable, clean energy, while
testing new technology that can be replicated to increase
our resiliency on the system.
our resiliency on the system here in Chicago and across
Northern Illinois.
With customer demands continuing.
With customer demands continuing to evolve and the energy
landscape.
landscape changing. This is just the beginning of our work
together.
Comed in the city.
comed in the city of Chicago, share a vision for
Comed in the city of Chicago, share a vision for making
sure. The clean energy transition is
sure the clean energy transition is accessible for all
customers. And
customers and all communities.
We Stand ready.
We Stand ready and the grid is ready to meet the moment.
We Stand ready and the grid is ready to meet the moment and
we look forward to holding to building on our 100-year
partnership to meet.
partnership to meet our goals for a cleaner future.
With that, we welcome.
With that we welcome and we are happy to take your
questions. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Um, it was really I appreciated the
presentation and
taking notes Here on all the
Taking notes Here on all the figures. Um, you guys there
will be a quiz.
You guys.
You guys you bought the pop quiz, right? Okay. Um, so yeah
right. Um,
yeah, right. Um, so opening up to questions from members.
Alderman was
Thank you so much, dear. I really appreciate the present.
presentation. Omar's, there's
Great to have you on the team.
great to have you on the team, sir. The the pre-briefing to
the briefing very helpful in terms of thinking through
the briefing very helpful. In terms of thinking, through
the issues that are in front of us.
issues that are in front of us. Um
I would like to talk.
I would like to talk, I'll talk about.
The direct content.
the direct content of today, and then I have a couple
questions about the the 500 pound elephant known as PGM
questions about the, the 500 pound elephant known as PGM.
Um,
It was really helpful.
it was really helpful to
understand.
understand on my part, what are the different?
Understand on my part. What are the different drivers of
outages in the first war?
outages in the first war that break it down? Where we were
looking at? What is Extreme?
looking at? What is extreme weather related? What is
equipment related?
equipment related as I learned? What is
Res.
residents actually, damaging like
Residents actually damaging like equipment in the community
and seeing how that is.
and seeing how that is actually in the First Ward, the
largest driver of our outages that is super helpful because
that helps us to understand how we can work with you all
better.
better to actually significantly. Hopefully reduce
outages.
I was curious and I know,
I was curious. And I know that there's a document that I
can look back at
do.
Do we know percentage wise?
City.
Citywide what what the drivers are.
Citywide, what what the drivers are of those outages. So
that the city can be an
the city can be an altar, can be better Partners in
avoiding or reducing the number of outages.
We, we certainly do. And uh what I'd like to do is
We we certainly do and uh what I'd like to do is uh Jim
Ortega uh can give a little bit more.
Ortega uh can give a little bit more in terms of an
in-depth, uh, statistics on that. But we absolutely track
that.
that, uh, we look at it by many different ways. Uh,
that. Uh, we look at it by many different ways, uh, Ward
circuits, asset classes. So yes, we track all of that. And
track outages, and trends.
track outages and Trends on those types of outages. Um, and
across the board, I would say as uh, as David mentioned.
across the board, I would say as, uh, as David mentioned,
we're seeing, we're seeing continued Improvement.
we're seeing we're seeing continued Improvement uh, with
our performance on that.
Sure. Yeah. And we
sure, yeah, and we appreciate the comments about um,
You know, how we break up the outage data?
You know how we break up the outage data uh, in terms of
uh, the reliability.
uh the reliability last year, the city of Chicago finished
the reliability last year, the city of Chicago finished uh,
With a a safety, you know.
With a a safety, you know, it's a measuring, the average
Interruption frequency.
Interruption frequency so on average across the city.
Interruption frequency so on average across the city how
many customers experience an outage and it was uh, 0.34
which is uh,
which is uh really really good metric. Just put in
which is uh, really, really good metric. Just put in
perspective Across the Nation for utilities.
perspective Across the Nation for utilities with a million
or more customer first quartiles. So the best is considered
zero.
0.87.
0.87 a lower number is much better. Yes, yeah and so
0.87 a lower number is much better. Yes yeah. And so um you
know this the equivalent of you know uh customer
experiencing 1 outage every 3 years, so very good. Uh,
experiencing 1 outage every 3 years. So very good uh,
safety. Now when we break it down in terms of what are
those drivers uh last year we had this uh significant
weather event that came through.
weather event that came through the service territory. Um
and uh, that was a major driver weather related accounted
for about 21% of the city of Chicago safety.
for about 21% of the city of Chicago, safety. Uh, just just
to put that number for me. Uh, uh, weather related type
outages.
outages accounted for 21%.
outages accounted for 21%, 21% of that safe.
outages accounted for 21%, 21% of that, safety value. Uh,
it also, uh, had an impact
it also uh, had an impact on tree related uh, outages which
is another
which is another 9%. So in total you could say, like
extreme
weather accounted for about 30% of our outages because most
of the tree related outages or trees coming down or giant.
Uh,
Broken limbs coming down on.
Broken limbs coming down on our equipment. So roughly 30% is
extreme weather. And um,
extreme weather and um and I'll get into that a little bit
if you don't mind me. Uh,
If you don't mind me, uh, providing some additional
statistics, the next major driver,
statistics, the next major driver is um, you know, we have,
uh, overhead,
uh, overhead equipment fault. Um, that's where some of the
overhead. Equip.
overhead equipment. Gets damaged. A lot of times it's
driven by latent damage. Lightning activity comes through
the service territory, it could cause latent damage or
storm comes in. Uh, may not cause an outage right away. Uh,
but eventually, uh, it does cause an outage and typically
we code those as, uh, overhead equipment fault. Uh, we do
have an inspection program, we do, uh, inspect our
circuits, uh, the main stem. So, think of a tree, right?
Uh, you know, a feeder? Yeah. You got the main,
Uh, you know, a feeder? Yeah, you got the main stem. We
inspect that main stem 2 years because that impacts the
whole tree where each branch, uh, those are
whole tree where each branch uh, those are Taps. We call
them because we we isolate those. We
them because we, we isolate those. We inspect those every 4
years and
so, um, and we also
So um and we also do Post storm patrols. Uh so we use
weather.
weather data to to look for it to to provide we have driven
down.
down the number of overhead equipment related outages and
then the Third
then the third 1 because this is the 1 is what you were
talking about the public damage. Right car is hitting
polls.
poles. We're really the bigger 1, is the, I call it
metallic, balloons and myar.
metallic balloons and mylar balloons, and that's throughout
the city. Um,
city. Um, where we see an in, uh, an
city. Um, where we see an in uh, an increase in outages.
We've been seeing an increase. However, we've been working
with the city, uh,
Increasing, uh, Communications working with AIS. And, um,
I'm
proud to say this year so far. We're actually seeing
proud to say this year. So far, we're actually seeing a
decrease in those uh, public damages.
decrease in those, uh, public damages. It's early, it's
just graduation time, Jim. Yeah.
just graduation time. Jim. Yeah, Jim is the 1, that
graduation time, Jim. Yeah, Jim is the 1. That so these
very proud. Yeah. I've been, uh, I was trying to ban
Valentine's Day too because that's who we see a an
increase. Don't tell my wife. Okay. Uh, so yeah, those
those are the 3 major drivers. Um,
those are the 3 major drivers um, in terms of uh, the
weather, right? Um, that has a significant that is our
biggest challenge, right? When these Storms Come Through,
uh, we called it, the Ring of Fire.
uh, we called it, the ring of fire. Uh, it was a series of
storms, uh, in mid.
storms. Uh, in mid July, the big 1 was uh, uh, the ratio
that came through our service territory in total,
came through our service territory in total. Uh, there were
43 tornadoes across the service.
43 tornadoes across the service territory. Um there were
6 of those tornadoes in the city of
Chicago, including 1 near West Loop which is very unusual.
Um,
in the city of Chicago, it was
In the city of Chicago, it was impressive and, and that's
still a high number. But there were 70,000 customer outages
from that, ring of fire, from that storm, from that
systemwide Duracell.
systemwide Duracell 70,000 70,000 and
It's just it's a high number. But when I go backwards,
it's just it's a high number, but when I go backwards, I
look because we had a similar, not as many tornadoes, but
similar Duracell that cut across the service.
similar Duracell that cut across the service territory,
very fast, uh, in 2020 and it resulted in 120,000 customer
interrupt
Interruption. So we had 50,000 fewer customer outages. Uh,
this what you credit that? I'm curious. I I
this, what you credit that I'm curious. I, I I credit it,
uh, to uh, where we been
uh, to, uh, where we've been investing, we've been doing
targeted resiliency,
targeted, resiliency storm, hardening over the last 15
years.
years we've been investing in distribution automation.
years we've been investing in distribution automation, uh,
throughout the the the city.
throughout the the, the city. What that means is we're
putting in these smart switches that if a if the circuit
has a fault on that main stem that I was talking about,
has a fault on that main stem that I was talking about it
isolates, the false. So instead of 1500 customers being
out, now it's 500.
now it's 500 customers and these smart switches Cass
now it's 500 customers and these smart switches Cascade in
the same way correct. Yeah. It reduces the impact.
the same way. Correct. Yeah. It reduces the impact of those
events and then but more importantly now
How we know where those 500 are and we could get to them
faster and that's allowing us to restore.
faster and that's allowing us to restore customers, much
faster. I think we had, uh, in the first uh, 12 hours close
to 80% of the city of Chicago.
close to 80% of the city of Chicago customers restored
because we knew
knew where the damage was with these smart switches. And so
switches. And so and then just 1 more data point that
70,000.
70,000, you know, 10 years because I mentioned or 15 years
ago, we've been doing this.
ago, we've been doing this type of storm hardening 15 years
ago. We had a duration that didn't have any tornadoes but
impacted the city hard and that was 180,000.
impacted the city hard and that was 180,000 customers, and
that took us nearly 7 days.
that took us nearly 7 days to restore this 1. Uh, it took
us about 6 to 7 days but that's the entire 7 system.
us about 6 to 7 days but that's the entire 7 system in the
city of Chicago. We were able to restore the majority of
the customers within, uh, I believe it was, uh, 24.
the customers within, uh, I believe it was, uh, 24 hours.
We I think we were over 90% And then Within
We I think we were over 90%, And then within 40 hours,
we're right close to 99%.
we're right close to 99% so.
I really appreciate.
I really appreciate a comprehensive thorough answer like
that. I truly do. Thank you.
that. I truly do. Thank you for that. Um, perhaps through
the chair or like separate conversation, at some point, I
would love to understand how we as Alders.
would love to understand how we, as Alders can amplify that
messaging to the public around the impact, the physical
literal impact that they can have.
literal impact that they can have, um, on comed
infrastructure.
infrastructure and how we can take even minor steps to
Keep that number going down. Um, I'm going to Pivot briefly
and I I want to be
and I, I want to be super clear.
You are not.
You are not P PGM.
You are not accountable.
You are not accountable for the actions of PGM or that
auction.
That said, it does directly impact.
Your work.
Your work ComEd bills? People's experience
Your work ComEd bills, people's experience of affordability
of their electricity.
Um, have a couple hopefully.
Short and answerable questions.
Do we know when the next p?
Do we know when the next PGM auction is going to be.
Yes.
Uh, in the back.
Yeah, thank you. Is it working? All right. Um yes. Thank
you alderman.
Alderman. Uh Scott vote vice president strategy energy
policy for ComEd. Yes it's going to be like the third week
of July I think July.
of July. I think July 24th is when the results will be
left, but they'll be start.
left, but they'll be start running the auction like around
July.
July, 7th and 8th, and it carries for about 2 weeks.
July, 7th and 8th, and it carries for about 2 weeks behind
the closed doors. And then we will see the results around.
the 24th of July like this July the July,
the 24th of July like this. July, the July that's happening
next month. Yes, sir.
next month. Yes, sir, okay,
I asked this question.
I asked this question because I look at these contributing
factors.
My understanding is the across.
my understanding is the across, the PGM service area, the
gradual retirement of fossil fuel plants the um,
Black or delayed.
black or delayed connection of
new clean and renewable. Energy plants.
New clean and renewable, energy plants the increase in
demand. A lot of that driven.
demand. A lot of that driven by new data centers, also the
electrification.
electrification that a lot of us are doing of our homes.
None of those factors are going away.
All of them are increasing.
What are steps that are being taken? Are there be by PGM or
others? In the
Utility industry to.
utility industry to mitigate those impacts because I'm
worried that
$14 a month increases. Thank
$14 a month increases thankfully, an area area based off of
the the C to credit closer to 10 dollars a month.
I'm concerned that this isn't going to be a blip. I'm
concerned that this is going to become a trend. How are we?
how are we mitigating for this?
Um, it's an excellent question. Um,
what I, what I can tell you is for the next 2,
What I, what I can tell you is for the next 2 years. Um,
p.
PGM and furk, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
PGM and furk. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is
approved at pjm uh, floor in a cap approach which is going
to set the Florida 1, 7 5.
to set the Florida 17525.
going to set the Florida 17525 dollars per megawatt day.
That was an agreement. That was
an agreement. That was, uh, fostered by Governor Shapiro.
Shapiro from Pennsylvania with pjm.
from Pennsylvania with pjm. So,
that's,
that's probably the single largest mitigation that I think
without that mitigation we would have likely seen higher
prices come out of this next auction. Uh our prices are
currently at 270 a megawatt day. There is a lot of
currently at 270 a megawatt day, there is a lot of analysis
and speculation right now.
and speculation right now of how the market thinks that
next.
next capacity auction in July is going to clear.
Fossil plants are staying open long.
Fossil plants are staying open longer. There were 2, plants
in Illinois. That had
in Illinois, that had submitted closure notices that were
supposed to close.
supposed to close this Summer that they then re revoke
those closure notices. So those gas plants are going to
remain online. I suspect across other service territories
we've seen coal plants, extending
we've seen coal plants. Extending their uh outage dates, I
suspect.
suspect, we will see that when it comes to 2 coal.
the last 2 coal plants frankly uh that are
the last 2, coal plants, frankly uh that are serving our
service territory power attendant Kincaid which are
downstate. Uh, will likely do the same.
downstate. Uh, will likely do the same thing until the
siege of EPA requirements kick in in 2030. So that'll be 1
offset to it. Um, maybe not the best offset that we would
all prefer. Um, but largely, as you stated,
the large load effects that are Rippling through the
The large load effects that are Rippling through the the
load forecast at pjm.
load forecast at pjm, I think tend to be the bigger drivers
than frankly, the retirements, because I don't think the
retirements are actually going to happen. Like they were
scheduled to and it's going to be those 2 factors that
ultimately Drive.
ultimately Drive what those capacity prices are.
Can I ask?
2 quick follow-ups.
When you say,
If it hadn't.
if it hadn't been for that cap, being put in place, we
would likely see
Even higher.
Pricing.
to me, I read that as there's a high
To me, I read that as there's a high likelihood.
That this next PGM.
That this next PGM auction is going to hit that.
That this next PGM auction is going to hit that cap. Do you
think that's likely
I, there's 1 other mitigating factor that came in.
I, there's 1 other mitigating factor that came in that is
going to have a significant impact, which may mean it comes
in under the cap, and that is
1 of the big drivers for the capacity.
1 of the big drivers for the capacity prices is a lot in
this current year.
this current year were 2, coal, plants in the BGE.
this current year were 2. Coal plants in the BGE service
territory, B, Baltimore Gas and Electric. And
territory, B, Baltimore, Gas and Electric. And as brand
insurers and Wagner 2 large,
insurers and Wagner 2, large, coal, plants that had given a
notice to shut down.
notice to shut down pjm from a reliability perspective. Is
not letting those plants shut down because they can't.
not letting those plants shut down because they can't serve
the local needs in BG with those.
the local needs in BG with those without those plants. This
next auction.
next auction last year. Those plants even though they were
Wired to run. We're not included as a capacity resource.
Wired to run. We're not included as a capacity resource
which caused prices to go higher.
which caused prices to go higher this year. Those plants
are going to be included as a supply resource in the
capacity auction. So that's like 1.1 gigawatts of
generating capacity that will be included in this year's
auction. That wasn't last year that has a potential to
bring that price down.
bring that price down, so I
don't know.
Don't know, is it is the answer? How it's going to come to
a fruition without that change? I would say. It would have
been 100% probable that we would have cleared it that or
99% probable that we would have cleared it the cap but
including Wagner's going to add Supply into the mix. That
otherwise wouldn't have been there or wasn't in the
procurement from last. Those are high probabilities. Um, I
would last question I I appreciate the difference but given
the room, I will take it. Um,
My other question is more in line with the kind of MIT?
mitigation I would hope to see which is to see them
accelerate. The pace of
accelerate the pace of permissions and interconnection for
new renewable facilities that are coming online. I've I've
read our articles that say that the number of plants
waiting for connection exceeds.
waiting for connection exceeds the resources currently on
the grid. I, I read an article hold a comment. Um,
the grid. I, I read an article hold a comment, um, that is
saying there are folks who have waited so long for
permissions 5 years.
permissions 5 years plus that their
Have fallen away that they've the grants have fallen away
that they've simply.
that they've simply decided not to proceed with those
facilities. That is
facilities, that is deeply frustrating.
Not.
not only for my energy bill, but for the state of
not only for my energy bill but for the state of the
planet, um,
What is p?
What is PGM, Oregon? Others in the utility industry. Doing
to work to accelerate the pace of those connections.
I share your frustration. Um, uh
I share your frustration. Um uh we could have a long
conversation about this, maybe offline.
conversation about this maybe offline uh but what PGM is
trying to do is accelerate
The analysis of these plants.
They have a program in place to do that.
now that said, uh, there's a
A a statement released by P.
a a statement, released by pjm, just just this week where
they've cleared 74 gigawatts of 174,
they've cleared 74 gigawatts of 174 gigawatt Q in the last
yeah 18 months or something like that.
Unfortunately, only 2 of those gig.
Unfortunately, only 2 of those gigawatts related to the
interconnection.
interconnection projects that are in the ComEd.
interconnection projects that are in the ComEd Zone related
to Renewables. So they still tend to be going very slow on
the project.
the projects in the ComEd Zone.
How can?
How can they expedite that?
What would you?
What would you let me ask it like this. What would we like
to see?
to see them do? That would be effective at Expediting those
connections.
Or would you rather say that through the chair?
I,
There's 2 things they could do.
There's 2 things they could do um, and, and 1 of them.
There's 2 things they could do. Um, and, and 1 of them, I
know they won't do but when I when
know they won't do but when I, when we look at across the
country
Um, Texas in particular has connected 40.
Um Texas in particular has connected, 40, gigawatts of
Renewables in The Last 5 Years. So to put this in
perspective, Texas, 40 gigawatt,
perspective, Texas, 40 gigawatts,
In Northern Illinois, for UT.
In Northern Illinois for utility scale projects. We've had
900.
900 megawatts.
Connected over.
Connected over that. Same time period, that Texas has
connected.
connected 40 gigawatts. The big 900 megawatts being
connected. 40 gigawatts. The big 900. Megawatts being a 100
megawatts less than 1, gigawatt, correct? Which is so,
we're talking about about 2.5% of what Texas has achieved
correct.
And as you know, Texas is not necessarily a clean energy.
and as, you know, Texas is not necessarily a clean energy
state with clean energy policies or with a Capac,
state with clean energy policies, or with a capacity
Market.
Um, what?
Um, what Texas does that is significantly different than
the way PJ.
the way pjm does is p Texas, manages the generation.
the way pjm does is p, Texas, manages the generation. So
they will connect the projects and then manage the
generation once they're connected pjm.
generation once they're connected, pjm manages the
transmission so that they build out the transmission system
so that any project that can connect
so that any project that can can produce 100% of their
Capac.
um, even if they're not going to produce 100% of the
capacity,
capacity year round and that is a significant.
capacity year round and that is a significant operational
difference, I think between pjm and Texas that results in
less.
less capacity to connect. You're
less capacity to connect your absolutely right that many of
those projects have been in the interconnection queue for 5
to 7 years. Um and you know, to some extent we
to 7 years, um, and you know, to some extent we hear that
renewable. Projects are speculative but I don't know
anybody who could make an investment decision if you have
to wait, 5 years to understand what your cost structure.
going to be. But these are the things that we're trying.
going to be. But these are the things that we're trying to
have conversations at the pjm level on. How do you get more
Renewables? I know. Uh, I know the state.
Renewables? I know, uh, I know the state Administration has
been to, uh, talk to pjm about these very same issues and
there's a
A significant degree.
a significant degree of frustration with the things that
you're raising um and I'll just add 1.
Final point the next auction.
Final point the next auction, after the July auction is in
December.
So, we're going to see.
Is there a cap on the December auction as well? Yes. What
is the cap on the December? Same 17.
is the cap on the December? Same 175325, the the Shapiro.
caps are in place for the next 2, auctions, July.
caps are in place for the next 2, auctions, July, and
December the next auction after that.
December the next auction after that is next, June, that 1
will be an un.
will be an uncapped procurement.
I think that's a more than my piece. I appreciate your
time. Thank you, chair.
No. Uh thank you all the spot up was a good line of
questioning and I think very
Illuminating, um,
Illuminating. Um, I've got a couple questions. Um, I'll
post to you as well. And, uh,
post to you as well and uh Alder Lawson is is is waving. So
you guys are
guys are, you know, happy Friday the 13th.
So you guys are, you know, happy Friday the 13th. Um
um,
and,
I mean, there's so much here, um,
I'll say as we talk about,
um, our grid, power generation and
um, our grid power generation and um,
kind of cost.
kind of cost I know with the earlier line of
Kind of cost. I know with the earlier line of questioning
we were talking about, um,
How we manage for some of these costs. So I'm wondering,
um,
You know.
You know what? What conversations if any.
you know what, what conversations if any um,
You know, are you guys Eng?
You know, are you guys engaged with conversations with kind
of legislators or some of these regulators?
About how to protect.
About how to protect against the cost burden being shifted
onto.
onto rate, payers. Um, so really, as we look at like,
onto rate, payers. Um, so really, as we look at like kind
of the influx of, um, you know, new Industries like that of
centers, um, AI things of that sort that are um,
centers, um, AI things of that sort that are, um, requiring
so much more energy.
so much more energy, um, and things coming online. Um, you
know, are those conversations? You're having
Thank you.
Thank you, Terry.
Do you hear me? Thank you. Yes, thank
Do you hear me? Thank you? Yes. Thank you. Chair hat. And
I'm Max Lightman director of Economic and Workforce
Development. My team is, uh, in charge of of uh, a lot of
the relationships with these, uh, large load customers. And
so your question,
so your question is a very good 1, and it's 1 that we've
been, uh,
been uh, in in a lot of discussions internally and
externally over the last year as we've seen a really
dramatic increase in. Uh,
dramatic increase in, uh, interest in these projects in in
Illinois. Um, we are
uh,
Uh, considering and have drafted proposals.
uh, considering and have drafted proposals, uh, to um, you
to, to, to modify our uh,
to modify our uh tariffs at the Illinois Commerce
Commission to address. Exactly.
Commission to address exactly those things. And um, there
are a couple of things that we are. We're looking to do 1
is to ensure that um we have the best.
is to ensure that um we have the best and most firm. Um,
estimate of the load requests that are coming to, uh,
coming in to comment and so,
in to comment. And so that means that we were, we were
evaluating what our initial deposit levels should be so
that um, if a
that, um, if a customer is applying for a larger amount of
load that,
load that they're providing us a larger deposit so that
there's, uh, essentially a larger ante that they're, we're
being asked, uh, to for them them, to put up to
being asked, uh, to for them them to put up to, to
determine what our um, what what?
determine what our um, what what their load request should
be we want to avoid. Um,
be. We want to avoid, um, pure speculative behavior, and we
want to avoid customers asking for putting.
in a request for,
In a request for a larger power capacity than what they may
ultimately use.
ultimately use because that has secondary effects with, um,
things like the pjm auction and and
things like the pjm auction and, and, in other ways, too.
Um, we are also focused very much on on protecting against
cost shifting.
cost shifting, uh, in terms of the the
cost shifting uh, in terms of the the, you know, the the
rates for the delivery service that the
rates, for the delivery service that the customers pay our,
um, largely
um, you know, contained within
Um, you know, contained within, uh, the business class, the
class of customers.
class of customers that that um, that that are being
served. So very large, load customers are are, uh,
served. So very large load customers are are, uh, the cost
of those customers is, is largely paid.
of those customers is is largely paid by similar customers
as opposed to the entire customer.
as opposed to the entire customer base, but we are, um,
taking we are, we are looking at proposals and we'll
propose proposal.
propose proposals soon that, um, provide added protection
to, um, to ensure that if comet is making Investments,
including on the transmission system, which is not
regulated by the state of Illinois. But instead, regulated
by federally by furk that if a um if a large load customer
customer, um, makes a request and if common makes
Investments to serve that customer, and then the customer
either,
You know, was never able to to go into business.
you know, was never able to to go into business or uh, has
take significantly less load than than they requested.
take significantly less load than than they requested and
that we planned for and built for that.
that we planned for and built for that, uh, that customer
will will uh, provide
will will uh provide the revenue offset to ensure that um,
there's there's no significant price effect on the
remaining customers. So, um, you know, I know this is a,
these are conversations that are happening in Illinois.
They're happening with our Regulators, they were hap they,
they've been happening in Springfield
been happening in Springfield, they're also happening in
other states as well. Uh, who are seeing these large load
increases and I think, um,
yeah, there's a different
Yeah, there's a different shape and flavor to what might be
prop.
proposed in Illinois. Versus Virginia or Ohio.
proposed in Illinois versus Virginia or Ohio or Georgia but
um I think this is something that all
But, um, I think this is something that all utilities,
like, Hamed who are seeing this sort of growth are
grappling with.
grappling with, um, and, uh, it's, you know, we're very
focused on ensuring that we don't see those spillover
effects from from these customers.
that's, that's
that's that's helpful and especially I I wasn't even
thinking about the
speculative demand side of it and that so like, that's
Speculative demand side of it and that so like that's very
helpful. Um, you know, in a similar vein.
um, you know, I
Um, you know, I of course, we think a lot about our
residential rate payers, but I'm also thinking about
businesses and, and commerce. So,
businesses and and commerce. So do you have different
classes for your large load customers even within the
commercial space and is that something under consideration?
So you know, we've got small businesses but even, you know,
let's say A medium or large.
know, let's say A medium or large business but they're not
using right? They're not that same.
right? They're not that same class. So is is this kind of
you know, new commercial entity coming online?
you know new commercial entity coming online uh leading to
maybe a a creation of a different class of large load user
as well?
Yeah that's that's an excellent question as well. I, I
Yeah, that's that's an excellent question as well. I I, we
are, I know, in some states, they are looking at
are, I know, in some states. They are looking at specific
de, uh, rate classes for
de, uh, rate classes, for instance, for data centers, or or
or crypto.
or, or cryptocurrency. Um, customers, um, comment is
looking at it in terms of what the overall,
at it in terms of what the overall usage is. And the
overall demand request for the
demand request for the customer and, you know, I think
From our standpoint. We consider uh, if if we have a data
center who's seeking 300 megawatts of demand,
you know, we feel like electrically what we need to do to
serve that customer is very similar to what
we would do to serve a a solar panel.
We would do to serve a, a solar panel manufacturer, or a
clean or, you know, electric battery.
clean or, you know, electric battery manufacturer with the
same demand. So we are looking at it mainly in that way.
Uh, in the
uh, in the very kind of the high voltage class. Um, but I
think it's something that will always continue to evaluate,
especially as we see continued evolution in these new.
of businesses that come to Illinois and and um, the
different impacts they may have on our system and the
different, um, benefits that they may bring to to, uh, you
know, to, to Residents in the city.
know, to, to Residents in the city of Chicago and across
across our service territory.
I I would welcome, I think through through the committee,
um, you know, as this is an
you know as this is an evolving conversation, I would
certainly welcome. And I think my colleagues would, as
well, um, recommendations
um recommendations observations learnings um, as you guys
are working in this space, um, I know most of this might
hit at a State Legislative level, um, but I think it would
be helpful and instructive for the city.
be helpful and instructive for the city to also, look at
what's coming through legislatively.
at what's coming through legislatively, um, as we're
thinking about, um, what regulations or requirements, we
might want to.
might want to consider. Um, yeah. So, you know, through the
chair, um, as is available if you've got
Not, you know, just reports.
Not, you know, just reports white papers things of that sort
that you could share with.
sort that you could share with us to keep us uh, sharp and
thinking about this, I know it hasn't become a a large
issue.
issue for Chicago and given our space. Uh, you know, I
doubt we'll ever be the host of, uh, uh, large data
centers. Um, uh,
centers, um, uh, large across the city. Um but right?
centers, um, uh, large across the city. Um, but right that
we still might have impacts. There might be some areas and
obviously we've got this Quantum Computing site. Um,
coming.
online. And so they're just things that I think we should
educate ourselves.
educate ourselves about and so as much as you're able to
share I we would appreciate
yes, we'll do that.
Um, my last question is really around the affordability.
space. Um so 1 I just want to note, I appreciate all the
data and the just significant Improvement.
data and the just significant improvements each year that
you guys have come before this committee.
you guys have come before this committee um um under my
chairmanship um I've heard nothing but uh improvements and
steady progress on grid reliability and
steady progress on grid, reliability and safety. So I
really just want to lift that up and appreciate. Um, it's
nice to hear um and you know this uh, this touch points
that we have during these hearings and the work that my
team and I get to do with you in.
team and I get to do with you, in preparation for them is
very instructive makes me feel very good.
very instructive, makes me feel very good about like the
work and the Investments you guys are making in.
work and the Investments, you guys are making in Chicago.
Um, so thank you for that. Um, and on the affordability
piece, I know you mentioned the the 10 million Grant that's
opening on July 7th. So we look
opening on July 7th, so we look forward to that. Um, but
you also talked about, um, David, you mentioned the power
Marine uh, excuse me, the new low-income, uh, discount rate
program.
program more than if you guys could speak a little bit more
to that because I think, you know, I had a question of
like, hey, you know, people's gas has kind of like a
continuing affordability program and it sounds like
affordability program and it sounds like this might be
something that you guys are introducing. Um,
might be something that you guys are introducing, um, along
those lines. So, if you could speak a little bit more about
that,
that and what we can expect and how this will help, uh,
low-income constituents, certainly chair, um Melissa
Washington.
Washington, uh, SVP of customer operations and
Washington, uh, SVP of customer operations, and uh you have
definitely uh connected the 2,
have definitely uh, connected the 2. So, um, legislatively
and and
also through regulatory uh efforts the
and and also through regulatory uh, efforts. The ICC did
uh, request that uh,
uh, request that, uh, electric and gas companies, Implement
a low-income discount, um, the gas companies, particularly
people's gas had already moved forward. And theirs was
implemented, uh, earlier,
implemented, uh, earlier we filed, uh, ours, uh, last, uh,
March, and it was approved. And so,
March, and it was approved. And so now, we are in
implementation mode, so we expect to have it up and
running, um,
by January 1st.
by January 1st and essentially what the program will do.
Um, is provide uh, a discount uh on
Um, is provide, uh, a discount, uh, on customers bills that
are Income eligible and when we
are Income eligible. And when we look at income
eligibility, it's that up to 30.
eligibility, it's that up to 300% of the federal poverty
level. Um, which is very consistent with sieges. Um,
level. Um, which is very consistent with sieges, um, you
know, parameters and, um,
know, parameters. And um, so some of the same customers
that qualify for
qualify for Li Heap and and other things um, will have
have, uh, a credit on their bill.
Bill to bring them with.
Bill to bring them within uh, an affordability level. Um,
Bill to bring them within uh an affordability level um, on
their uh average monthly bill
In addition to that, um, it's going to help them.
in addition to that, um, it's going to help them remain
current Li Heap will still be available for customers who
may have an A rearch and maybe
may have an A rearch and may be facing, um, you know, uh,
payment arrangements.
payment arrangements and other things to help them. But
we're quite excited about that. What we'll have is the uh,
same organ.
same organizations like Ceda who help qualify people.
same organizations like Ceda who help qualify people for Li
Heap will also um, be the same.
Heap will also um be the same organizations that will help
us identify. Uh, new customers that have not been uh,
qualified.
qualified previously. So it's it's going to be what we
consider a pretty seamless um opportunity.
consider a pretty seamless um, opportunity to have a more
consistent.
consistent, um support you know, for customers.
consistent. Um support you know for customers we'll do more
um informational advertising about
more um, informational advertising about it as it gets
closer, you know, right now. If we do,
closer, you know, right now, if we do too much advertising
on it, it may cause confusion because it's not available.
on it, it may cause confusion because it's not available
just yet. Um, but it, it will be more consistent program to
help customers.
Thank you and especially as we get closer.
Thank you and especially as we get closer um and and I'll
say you know, as you mentioned la.
say you know as you mentioned lip um you know we've got
concerns about the, you know, potential for um lip going
away. Um
Uh, thinking about how we connect people.
Uh thinking about how we connect people with this program.
Um, you know, would love to get some info and insight. I
think through the committee, like, through the chair, um,
for all of council so that we can prepare Ward offices and
city services, of course, um, to figure out how we're
helping people.
helping people, um, qualify and enroll in this,
helping people, um, qualify and enroll in this program. Um,
because I just think the landscape is changing a lot.
Exactly. Um, and even, you know, even without the current
threats to lip, I know we've already seen kind of service
cuts, um, both from public funded programs.
cuts, um, both from public funded programs, um, and
privately funded 1. So, like, I don't have the
organizations that used to receive funding in my ward for
instance. Um,
instance, um, to help people, you know, go through and see
if they qualify.
if they qualify for lip. They don't they don't have that.
funding anymore and so access to, um, the services, the
programs, uh, the nonprofits or City.
Uh, departments. And and most cases, I think Ward offices
have a lot to offer there and the constituent service piece
to be able to connect with constituents and help them. Um,
apply for these programs I think is going to be crucial.
So, as you guys are working on, developing that roll out,
um, please be in touch with us so that we can, uh,
coordinate because I just think, um, there will be fewer
um, outlets and
Um, outlets and organizations funded to do this work.
Um, outlets and organizations funded to do this work and get
into communities. And the city is probably going to have a
strong role. Yeah and if I can share, just some insights.
Um,
Um you know, when we first uh you know, heard about the
staff being reduced, you know, from the federal lie.
staff being reduced, you know, from the federal lie
program. Um, we were very fortunate.
program. Um, we were very fortunate in the state that the
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity had already
pulled down the majority of
pulled down, the majority of what they needed to support
customers during, um, this particular plan year,
and then they were able to get the other 10% that they
And then they were able to get the other 10% that they had
not pulled down pretty quickly. So I would say that the
state of Illinois probably was ahead of the curve, you
know, on that and we were fortunate just based upon, you
know, uh, regular policies and processes. Um,
I am optimistic.
I am optimistic and we will have to see where the budget
ends up from a federal.
ends up from a federal perspective. Uh, but I will tell
you, you know, we've seen, you know, kind of a draft of
what was floated out there.
what was floated out there with LIHEAP not being funded
federally, but we've seen
federally. But we've seen that in Prior Administration, the
prior Administration that Trump had as well. Um, but yet it
was funded. So, you know, we're hoping that that same
thing, happens that even
happens that even though a draft budget, didn't reflect it,
that the final budget will reflect continued. Support in
addition, we have other programs, um, that are
addition, we have other programs um, that are um, available
including a state level funded,
including a state level, funded, hot Li Heap as well as
other programs that we offer. So,
other programs that we offer. So between low-income
discount the 10 million dollar fun.
discount the 10 million dollar fund which we view as a
bridge.
To the lid program.
To the lid program, uh, are all still available.
Gotcha. Um,
so, maybe
So maybe just a a clarifying question too. And sorry, we
were, um, chatting in about how the the new
were, um, chatting in about how the, the new local income
discount program and and what people's gases started is, I
think a little different than the people's got to share the
warm.
warmth program. Um, and so wondering.
warmth program. Um and so wondering if in addition to the
low-income discount,
low-income discount rate program that you guys are
launching, if there's anything additionally, um that you'll
be doing around.
you'll be doing around, um, helping, uh, cover energy
costs,
for, uh, low-income we always have
for, uh, low-income. We always have a, we have a suite of
programs. I can go down the list. So in addition,
programs. I can go down the list. So in addition to, uh,
and just for clarity, as I mentioned, we've got the 10
million that we just announced yesterday. That'll
you, um, to, uh, the lid program. Uh, the state also has,
uh, Li
uh, lie, you know, funded programs. We have a, um, a
supplemental our program as well. And we, um, provided up
to like 5 million dollars last year of support that's still
available. Uh, and then, we also provide customers
An ability to.
An ability to spread their payment uh, over um, an extended.
period of time if they need help. Uh, then then we also
have customers that we have uh subscribed.
have customers that we have uh subscribed to community
solar programs and they get credit on.
solar programs and they get credit on their bills. So
there's a very amounts of it. What I do want.
there's a very amounts of it. What I do want to stress, is
that, um, and you can gain access to
stress, is that? Um, and you can have gain access to this
too. We have something called the smart assistant.
too. We have something called the smart assistant manager,
Sam, uh, that we use and customers in in, anyone can go
into it, put some parameters.
into it, put some parameters in there and then it will tell
them what they're available, what's available and, and how
to get connected to it. So, yes, there's there's
to get connected to it. So yes, there's there's various
things, our programs are not identical but it's a it's a
pretty big portfolio of help.
Thank you. And thanks for the clarification. Yeah. Um,
that's all for my questions. Alotta, do you have any
additional questions?
Okay.
um, so I want to
Um, so I want to appreciate um, you all for your time for
your preparation. Um, you know, and I'll say, uh, you know,
a lot of the materials that you've provided in advance, uh,
to all our lattice point. I
to all our lattice point, I think are very helpful. So I
know our committee members apprec
know our committee members, appreciate that. Um, the ward
breakdowns, the details,
breakdowns the details, um, having no more questions.
This concludes the items before the committee today.
Um, we'll send any um, responds.
Um, we'll send any um, responses to questions. Um, that
were not answered, which I don't think we had.
were not answered, which I don't think we had any that
weren't answered. Um, so good job.
answered. Um so good job guys and just you know thank you
guys for your
know, thank you guys for your preparation for your
partnership. Um, it is uh, you know, helpful. I know we
spend a lot of time, um, preparing for this, but just for
the Public's sake, this is not the only time of the year.
that we talked with calmed. Um, so whenever there are
programs updates, I feel like we we do have a, a great open
line of communication with you all.
line of communication with you all and of course your your
external Affairs team is wonderful.
external Affairs. Team is wonderful um Omar I'm going to be
calling you about a question about
be calling you about a question about whether we can move
some lines underground. Just
some lines underground just FYI. Um, so for for members of
the public, um, you know, there's a lot of practical things
in addition to, uh, these summer preparedness hearings that
we work with.
we work with, um, come at on in our Ward. So, thank you
all.
for your partnership for your time, um, with there being no
fur.
further business before the
Committee may I have a motion to adjourn.
All right. Uh, and so
All right, uh, and so ordered.
11:47.
1147.
I,
Tired.
Like, I can't rest.