Skip to main content

Ryan O’Donnell

Community Expert Testimony

Ryan O’Donnell

O’Donnell testified that what he has not seen from ComEd is evidence of how it will use CEJA to make equitable grid investments for everyone. He called for a move toward energy sovereignty, a shift in ComEd’s focus away from simply building out wires and supporting structures and toward empowering customers to put their own energy solutions into effect. In addition, he called for accountability via data transparency. ComEd should provide ways for customers, journalists, and social justice organizations to analyze data to find and address disparities in service and other inequities.

O’Donnell recommended that the Illinois Commerce Commission consider energy sovereignty and accessibility to jobs and data at the top of its considerations in deciding whether ComEd’s grid plan is equitable. All communities should share equitably in benefits flowing from grid investments, and ComEd should hire contractors from all communities, while giving the traditionally marginalized opportunities for advancement, even if that means additional investments in training.

Summary

Communities should have energy sovereignty, meaning some degree of ownership over the means of energy production. In addition, the benefits of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) should be visible, making the system more fair and balanced environmentally and economically. Transparent data portals are one way this could happen.

Are you interested in testifying in a utility rate case?
Learn More
Become a certified energy justice intervenor.
Join the Movement

More Testimonies

Microphone in a court room
Community Expert Testimony

Wasiu Adesope

Community expert Cheryl Watson testified that utility policies contribute to and exacerbate cumulative burdens to disadvantaged communities and must be changed. Utilities need to be more holistic and community centered, planning with the community, not for them.
Microphone in a court room
Technical Expert Testimony

Andrew Barbeau

Technical expert Andrew Barbeau testified that ComEd’s proposal to use system-wide metrics to measure reliability disadvantages the residents of more vulnerable frontline communities. Instead, the needs of these communities must be front and center in the utility’s plans.
Microphone in a court room
Community Expert Testimony

Gregory Norris

Community expert Gregory Norris, founder of an environmental justice organization, testified that lack of affordable energy has an outsized impact on Black and brown neighborhoods. Solutions will only be implemented justly if there is intention and accountability. ComEd can use tenets of energy justice to guide grid planning.
Microphone in a court room
Community Expert Testimony

Kelly McCleary

Community expert Kelly McCleary testified that higher rates can lead to a cascade of problems. The higher rates get, the fewer customers will be able to afford to invest in clean energy, including energy efficiency, and save in the future. Utilities should invest in making the grid more ready for renewable energy, not just user rate hikes to garner higher profits for shareholders.
Microphone in a court room
Community Expert Testimony

Ryan O’Donnell

Community expert Ryan O'Donnell testified that communities should have energy sovereignty, meaning some degree of ownership over the means of energy production. Benefits of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) should be visible, making the system more fair and balanced environmentally and economically.
Microphone in a court room
Community Expert Testimony

Cheryl Watson

Community expert Cheryl Watson testified that utility policies contribute to and exacerbate cumulative burdens to disadvantaged communities and must be changed. Utilities need to be more holistic and community centered, planning with the community, not for them.
Microphone in a court room
Technical Expert Testimony

Justin Schott

Technical expert Justin Schott testified that Peoples Gas’ disconnection and late fee practices and qualifications for low-income discounts are placing undue energy burdens on BIPOC communities.
Microphone in a court room
Technical Expert Testimony

Chris Neme

Technical expert Chris Neme testified that transitioning single-family homes from gas furnaces to electricity is cost-effective for the average homeowner in Peoples Gas service territory.

Tags:

Related Posts

Media Article

Massachusetts outlines new strategy for getting customers and utilities off gas

After more than three years of considering the future of the natural gas industry in Massachusetts and what role it can play in the state's efforts to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, the state's Department of Public Utilities issued an order meant to signal to gas utilities that it won't be business as usual going forward.
Announcement

National Training Welcomes Participants from Coast to Coast

Community Voices in Energy launched our new national training cohort on March 12. The training is designed to prepare participants to address energy justice issues and make change through energy regulatory cases that affect their communities. Over the course of about eight bi-weekly virtual trainings, we will address and demystify traditional legal intervention in public utility commission proceedings. The program will also broadly present how individuals can bring about a more just and affordable energy system through policy advocacy, organizing, and education. Participants will also gain insights from last year’s amazing successes in Illinois. At the end of the program the participants will complete projects, many of which involve energy justice workshops and training that will scale the impact of the work. Participants will receive Energy Justice Intervenor certification showing that thet have learned about navigating and influencing the energy regulatory system.    
Energy Democracy 101 training hero image
Press Release

Peoples Gas Rate Case Decision Pivotal for Customers and Clean Energy Transition

CHICAGO (Nov 16, 2023) – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) decided today on a controversial Peoples Gas rate case which environmental and public interest organizations applaud as a departure from previous rate proceedings and an overall victory benefiting customers. The Commission rejected a significant part of Peoples rate hike request, disallowing $265 million that Peoples requested for new pipes and $236 million for new buildings. Additionally, the Commission ordered the company to participate in a Future of Gas proceeding and to file new plans for its system every two years. The Commission made similar orders in Nicor Gas and Ameren Gas rate cases, collectively reducing utility rate requests by many millions of dollars. “Today’s decision marks critical progress in the fight for a cleaner, more affordable energy future. We applaud the ICC for hearing community concerns. And we also know there’s still a long road ahead for environmental justice communities like mine, where the cost of natural gas goes beyond just unaffordable rates,” says Cheryl Johnson, Executive Director of People for Community Recovery. “Across Chicago’s south and west sides, legacy contamination and poor outdoor air quality have contributed to disproportionate rates of respiratory illness. Gas stoves are making those worse. We’re glad to see the ICC pushing pause on future gas infrastructure investments and we hope Mayor Johnson and the Chicago city council take an important next step by supporting policies that transition homes and buildings away from dirty, expensive natural gas.” This decision comes at a time where Illinoians are struggling to pay their bills and as advocates call for a transition away from the gas system to meet our state climate goals. The ICC's determination in the gas rate case provides some concrete steps in achieving those objectives, according to advocates. “This decision is forward-thinking because it signals a commitment to our State’s climate goals by providing an actual framework for equitably winding down the gas system,” says Madeline Semanisin, NRDC Midwest Building Decarbonzation Advocate. The Commission rejected the company’s proposed fixed charge and implemented a robust low income discount program. These changes can lead to lower customer bills and promote and reward energy efficiency. “This order is virtually unprecedented in terms of changing the system that for far too long has benefited utilities at the expense of consumers,” says Rob Kelter, Managing Attorney, Environmental Law & Policy Center. “Today reflects the commitment from the commission and Governor Pritzker to reduce carbon emissions and move toward electrification and renewable energy. The ICC made it clear today that it will take charge of a robust planning process that will accelerate that shift.” The decision mandates a Future of Gas proceeding that will lay the groundwork for a comprehensive strategy to address the long-term challenges associated with the gas system. “Today’s decision is a major victory for Chicagoans forced to pay ever-escalating bills for the failing Peoples Gas pipe replacement program. At long-last, regulators are holding Peoples Gas and its troubled program accountable,” says Abe Scarr, Director of Illinois PIRG. “Today we got three decisions from the Illinois Commerce Commission that are a really big deal. Illinois just took vital steps toward aligning its gas systems with its overall clean energy goals, and toward affordable power for all Illinois families in the future,” says Christie Hicks, Senior Director for Equitable Regulatory Solutions for Environmental Defense Fund. ###
Illinois Commerce Commission chair announces decision favoring clean energy
Media Article

Advocates hail regulatory ‘earthquake’ as state slashes requested gas rate increases

Illinois regulators unanimously approved rate hikes for four major natural gas utilities, but slashed the utilities' requested rate increases by as much as 50%. The regulators also launched a series of "future of gas" hearings that will for the first time hold the utilities accountable for aligning their planning with the state's 100% clean energy goals. "As the state embarks on a journey toward a 100% clean energy economy, the gas system's operations will not continue to exist in its current form," the Commission's Chairman said in a statement.
Environmental Defense Fund logo
Blacks in Green logo
Community Voices in Energy Logo White
About Us
Toolkit
Resources
News & Updates
FAQ
Get Involved
Contact
Privacy Notice
Terms of Use
Subscribe to our mailing list to receive quarterly news and updates.
Subscribe