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The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) wants to overrule the experts at the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), who have determined that competition is best for consumers.

In 1997, the legislature passed a law resulting in a 20% residential rate cut and freeze. Illinois consumers now pay rates 30-35% less than the average rate in the 10 largest US cities.

After that freeze expires in December, Illinois utilities must purchase electricity on the open market. The ICC unanimously voted for a competitive bidding system, the Illinois Auction, as the best way for utilities to buy energy. The approved plan also includes many consumer protections.

Instead of welcoming competition, CUB advocates increasing government interference and jeopardizing electric reliability by extending the current rate freeze. This would require utilities to pay more to buy power than they could charge consumers.

When California utilities were prohibited from recovering their costs, consumers paid the price. There were massive blackouts and taxpayers spent billions of dollars to fix the mess.

Experts believe Illinois could experience a California-style energy crisis if the ICC is not allowed to set sound policies to ensure low-cost, reliable electricity.

Hopefully the General Assembly will see the wisdom in defeating this dangerous proposal.