Some of your readers may recall that in 2007 the Illinois General Assembly prohibited ComEd and Ameren (the two major electric utilities) from raising their rates.

It was with great interest that I read an article in the March issue (on page 12) of my AARP Bulletin. It seems that these two providers of electricity are back before the Illinois Commerce Commission with a proposal to significantly increase service fees to all their Illinois customers.

The increase of these service fees of hundreds of millions of dollars would effectively wipe away most of the billion-dollar rate relief won last year.

According to the AARP article, the Illinois Commerce Commission is holding hearings across our state. These hearings are projected to be completed in April or May. Then members of the ICC will go into closed session to make a decision.

I urge everyone who is concerned about seeing their electric bills significantly increase to contact their representatives in the General Assembly to object to any increase. For additional information about the necessity to restrict increases in your electric bill, I would suggest you contact the Citizens Utility Board at (800) 669-5556 or (312) 263-4282.

Milt Honel, Elmhurst