Illinois resident Regina McRay filed a class action lawsuit against Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) and its parent company, Exelon Corporation. The complaint alleges that ComEd has knowingly delivered electricity with excessive voltage total harmonic distortion (THD), a departure from industry standards that may result in diminished power quality and inefficiencies for customers.
Filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, the lawsuit seeks to represent all Illinois residents who have paid for electric services from ComEd since November 2019. According to the complaint, testing revealed that more than 35% of ComEd-serviced homes had THD levels exceeding industry limits, compared to a national average of just 3.8%.
Attorney Ed Diab of Diab Chambers LLP explained, “This lawsuit is about holding public utilities accountable for providing the quality of service they promise and that customers pay for. Our clients believe there is a systemic issue with power quality that must be thoroughly examined.”
Focus on Power Quality and Transparency
Harmonic distortion in electricity delivery can impact the efficiency and longevity of household appliances and electronics, according to the complaint. Customers may unknowingly pay the same rates for electricity that is less efficient and potentially harmful to their devices.
“The defendants have a duty to provide reliable electricity in accordance with established standards,” said Abbas Kazerounian of Kazerouni Law Group, APC. “We believe that the facts warrant a close examination of the practices leading to such widespread harmonic distortion.”
While the lawsuit makes serious allegations, the attorneys emphasized the importance of allowing the litigation process to unfold.
“As advocates for our clients, we recognize that these issues require a deliberate and evidence-based review,” added Deborah Dixon of The Dixon Firm, APC. “The filing of this case is the first step in seeking accountability and transparency on behalf of Illinois consumers.”
A Call for Fair Practices
ComEd, the largest electric utility provider in Illinois, serves more than nine million residents, making its practices a matter of significant public interest. The complaint highlights the potential consequences of delivering electricity that fails to meet accepted power quality standards, including increased costs for consumers and potential safety concerns.
The attorneys and their client assert that the utility industry must meet its obligations to consumers. “This case is not about rushing to conclusions but about seeking answers and ensuring that public utilities operate in the public interest,” said Kazerounian.
About the Legal Team
The legal team representing the proposed class includes Abbas Kazerounian of Kazerouni Law Group, Deborah Dixon of The Dixon Firm, and Ed Diab of Diab Chambers LLP, all experienced advocates in consumer protection, class action litigation and litigation against utility companies.
