Politics & Government
ComEd Open House Scheduled for Wednesday
Learn about ComEd improvements during event at City Hall from 7-9 p.m.
ComEd and the city will provide an update Wednesday night on work to improve service reliability and upgrade infrastructure.
According to the city, staff members have been working with ComEd for a number of months to address specific areas in which residents have experienced repeated power outages. In addition to working to fix problems in these specific areas, ComEd also is starting a number of improvement projects aimed at upgrading infrastructure.
Those topics will be discussed during an open house event from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday at City Hall.
In October 2011, the Illinois legislature passed the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act, commonly known as a “smart grid,” through which ComEd will invest $2.6 billion in its utility grid.
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Its long-term plan includes installing “smart meters,” a digital electric meter that will allow the utility company to automate service and receive information from meters remotely. The system would no longer rely on customers calling to report outages; ComEd would be able to tell exactly which customers are without power. Smart grid infrastructure plans for Wheaton have not yet been determined.
ComEd is in town now making improvements in five areas in Wheaton where underground cables have reached the end of their useful lives. An outside contractor will be completing work this spring mostly in the public utility easements located in residential backyards. Customers will be notified of any outages necessary to complete this work. The end result will be greater reliability of service for the pockets of customers affected by the aging cable.
Wednesday's event will begin with a presentation by ComEd officials addressing improvements planned for Wheaton and the utility’s long-term upgrade plan. After the presentation, ComEd will provide representatives to talk to residents about different aspects of service, such as the storm restoration process, tree trimming and smart grid improvements.
The presentation will take place in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St.
