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Creating the energy infrastructure of tomorrow is putting thousands of Illinoisans to work today in good-paying jobs. In a filing ComEd submitted with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on April 1, the utility announced that work under the 2011 Smart Grid law created more than 2,400 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois in 2012.

These include 785 direct and contractor full-time equivalent jobs, including positions at the utility and outside contractors, representing a broad range of functions required to build a 21st century electric grid, from construction, engineering and system design to administration. The utility’s $165 million in capital spending on grid modernization projects in 2012 created an estimated 1,700 induced jobs. The ripple effect has been especially strong in the Chicago area and provides benefits beyond the direct spend. ComEd’s work is also improving electric reliability, which supports business growth and development in our state.

However, as a result of the ICC’s interpretation of the Smart Grid law, ComEd has had to postpone deployment of additional job-creating initiatives, including the installation of smart meters, until 2015, unless key funding issues are resolved.

To continue creating jobs, ComEd needs to restore funding to its grid modernization program. Senate Bill 9, which awaits Governor Quinn’s signature, will address this issue and get grid modernization back on track.