January 19, 2026
An Illinois utility company Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) has presented a second multi-year network plan (MYGP) to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), which outlines future “critical investments” in the Land of Lincoln’s electricity grid for the period 2028-2031.
The new plan was developed with feedback from both stakeholders and customers in mind and is now aligned with the state’s renewable energy goals. The company plans to “make cost-effective investments in infrastructure that simplifies and accelerates the interconnection of solar and wind energy” with the ComEd system’s broader energy network, in addition to the system’s already connected 1.4 GW of distributed solar generation.
“A reliable, affordable and modern electric grid is the foundation for economic growth and quality of life in northern Illinois,” said Gil Quiniones, president and CEO of ComEd. “ComEd’s new grid plan makes critical investments to ensure the grid continues to provide reliable energy and affordable rates for customers and advances the state’s clean energy and economic development priorities.”
ComEd representatives also outlined their Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) in the new plan. The software is one of the first of its kind in the U.S., officials say, and will provide forecasting, monitoring, control and integration of renewable energy technology. These new investments are intended to support the state’s move towards the legendary ‘Green Transition’ in both residential and solar energy, through battery storage, heat pumps and other renewable energy technology.
“ComEd’s investments in advanced network management and communications, digital controls and new analytics systems will help meet growing customer demand and Illinois’ clean energy goals,” the utility said.
The new technology relies heavily on a multi-directional power grid, which manages both the input and output of a variety of energy sources, such as virtual power plants. To ensure the company’s system is ready, ComEd also outlined other new technology it plans to implement in the MYGP as part of its long-term strategy, which addresses major load projects, increasing electrification and severe weather over the next decade.
Other planned features from ComEd
Beyond the renewable energy space, ComEd’s plan outlines the implementation of advanced energy technology to support the state’s “nation-leading reliability performance.” The company already has a fiber-based communications program in place, and the plan details how ComEd will use artificial intelligence to prepare for severe weather events across the state.
“ComEd arrived at this plan by assessing critical network needs and balancing them with the need to maintain customer affordability,” company officials said. “ComEd evaluates affordability with the goal of ensuring that customers’ total home energy costs do not exceed 3% of median household income for non-electric space heating customers or 6% for space heating customers – a standard approved by the ICC.”
Benchmarking the Edison Electric Institute Currently, ComEd calls electricity rates “among the most competitive in the nation through 2025,” according to ComEd. To keep these rates low, the company’s long-term plan includes additional investments, including new substations, to meet rising electricity demand. These investments would increase customer bills by about $2.50 to $3.00 statewide starting in 2028, officials estimate.
The ICC has yet to make a decision on the new plan, and will only do so after an 11-month open review process.
Tags: ComEd, Edison Electric Institute, energy goals, Illinois, utility
