ComEd: Scaring You Into Getting Their Way

By Matt Wood in News on Jan 5, 2007 1:34PM

If one were just casually following the news about ComEd, they might get the impression that there are a lot of regular folks concerned about the poor utility monopoly's ability to stay in business if those meddling kids in Springfield don't let them jack up their prices. They probably saw those deadly serious commercials sponsored by C.O.R.E., the Consumers Organized for Reliable Energy, warning that ComEd could suddenly not afford to keep the lights on, and that we concerned customers would be stuck with meat rotting in our freezers.

Of course, those the least bit familiar with ComEd's marketing style knew that they were somehow behind those ads, and a report in today's Tribune confirms it. ComEd donated $10 million to C.O.R.E., making it the group's primary benefactor, and eight members of its advisory committee have significant ties to ComEd or its parent company, Exelon. ComEd hasn't hidden their ties to C.O.R.E., but they don't necessarily advertise them either. The sponsorship isn't mentioned anywhere in the ads, and they don't explain that "Consumers Organized for Reliable Energy" actually means "Consumers Who Also Happen to Be Paid Very Well by Exelon Organized for Keeping the Party Going." Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is pissed, and says ComEd should be forced to put their name on the ads, a la the disclaimers on political campaign ads. Meanwhile, state legislators are trying to roll back the rate hike or at least phase it in.

Since ComEd is into moving their message on TV, can we take a cue from one of their earlier commercials? We were a fan of those prime-time spots featuring CEO Frank Clark begging us to send him hate mail, so does he mind if we write him now to tell him this is bullshit? How about applying the money you spend on propaganda to cut costs instead?