(The Center Square) – Legislation that would give the state’s largest utilities control over the construction of power lines in Illinois is back in the spotlight.
A bill that would allow Ameren Illinois and Commonwealth Edison the right-of-refusal on what company was awarded the construction contract for power lines was the subject of a House Public Utilities Committee hearing Tuesday.
Patrick Evans, president of the Illinois Energy Association, said a right-to-first refusal law is good for the state.
“A local utility, to hold competitive bids, so that we build a transmission, using trusted suppliers and trusted workers here in Illinois,” said Evans.
Jack Darin, Illinois director of the Sierra Club, said competition for the construction of power lines brings down costs for the consumer.
“Just like we have competition in our energy supply part of our energy economy could result in energy savings, lower bills for customers and therefore potential resources
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