By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The utility which has admitted trying to bribe its way into favorable legislation sent its top people to state regulators Wednesday.

Commonwealth Edison was levied a $200 million fine as part of a deferred prosecution agreement. While Com Ed CEO Joe Dominguez apologized for the company’s actions – and expressed shame for the reflection on its employees – he stressed deferred prosecution does not equal conviction.

The company is accused of, among other things, hiring associates of House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) to try to curry his favor. This went on for much of the past decade.

Parallel to the allegations is the question of the Illinois Commerce Commission chairwoman Carrie Zalewski’s objectivity. Her father-in-law, a former Chicago alderman, is under investigation in the case. Her husband is a state lawmaker who has received campaign contributions from Commonwealth Edison. And she was recommended for the ICC post by Madigan, who is implicated but not charged in the case.

Zalewski denied any impropriety, but a member of the public, Jesus Solorio, said she should recuse herself or resign.

Dominguez says in addition to the $200 million fine, Com Ed must cooperate with investigators and develop an ethics plan, one commissioners suggested should involve impartial — rather than in-house — review.

Zalewski assured Com Ed and the public: this isn’t over.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].