ICC approves edits to Ameren and ComEd performance metric reconciliations; votes 4–1 on worker-comp disallowance

On Dec. 18 the Illinois Commerce Commission approved annual performance metric evaluations and related edits for both Ameren and Commonwealth Edison. The orders adopt requirements intended to improve documentation, standardize future filings, and require ex post benefits and cost-effectiveness analyses in future annual updates.

For Ameren (Item E3) the commission approved the company’s annual performance metric evaluation and directed a two-year amortization period for rate-case expense in the reconciliation to promote affordability. The order requires Ameren to categorize projects as emergent, unimplemented, and approved in future filings and to provide ex post benefits and cost-effectiveness analyses. The commission directed the company, staff, and interested parties to convene within 60 days to agree on the required filing formats and information and set a 100-day deadline for a compliance filing.

For ComEd (Item E4) the commission adopted substantive edits that clarify the company’s burden of proof for cost overruns, disallow certain targeted plant additions tied to a single data-center customer (approximately $72,900,000) for the reconciliation year, and adopt partial disallowances related to relay failures (disallowing $447,408 of expenses tied to SS 459). The order also directed ComEd to provide standardized, anonymized information when requested so the Commission can more thoroughly review administrative expenses.

Commissioners took a separate, roll-call vote on an injuries-and-damages edit tied to ComEd’s administrative and general expenses. Chair moved the edit disallowing $6,219,319 in ComEd’s 2024 workers’ compensation payments; Commissioner McCabe seconded. Commissioner Kerrigan objected and voted nay; Commissioners McCabe, Reddick, Paradis, and the Chair voted aye. The edit passed by a 4–1 vote. Following that roll call, the Commission approved the remaining edits to ComEd’s order as moved.

The orders emphasize that the Commission will continue to record and evaluate evidence, and that future proceedings and pending metric dockets may address unresolved metric-interpretation questions. The schedule for compliance filings and the direction to convene parties aim to create clearer standardized submissions for future annual adjustments.