ComEd has submitted a proposal to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to enhance its Energy Efficiency Program. The proposal aims to invest an additional $119 million in energy efficiency initiatives, building on the program’s achievements in saving customers $176 million on their electric bills in 2022.
ComEd said over 630,000 customers saved more than 11 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity in 2022, surpassing the annual goal. The proposed investment will provide a wider range of energy-saving solutions to customers, particularly those eligible for income-based assistance.
Energy efficient lighting continued to contribute the most energy and peak demand savings last year – nearly 935,000 MWhs. In second place was voltage optimization (VO), a combination of advanced software, sensors and smart devices, which produced additional energy savings of nearly 180,000 MWhs. VO monitors and regulates voltage levels, delivering energy savings of up to 2 percent annually for the average ComEd customer.
The ICC will review ComEd’s request over the next eight months, ensuring the costs are reasonable before including them in customer rates. If approved, customers can expect an average increase of approximately 56 cents per month on their residential bills starting in January 2024.
Enacted in 2021, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) enables Illinois utilities to expand energy efficiency measures, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. In line with this, ComEd introduced a four-year program in 2022, focusing on options for income-eligible customers. This includes a $40 million whole home electrification initiative, allowing residents to electrify their homes with energy-efficient systems. ComEd plans to further expand energy efficiency offerings for income-eligible customers as part of its ComEd 2030 vision.
Since 2008, ComEd’s energy efficiency program has saved customers $7.65 billion on their electric bills, according to the utility. It has also helped customers conserve over 70 million MWhs of electricity, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions and environmental impact.
ComEd received recognition from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) for its Multi-Family Energy Savings offering, which promotes energy efficiency in multi-family buildings. The program provides energy-saving products, incentives for capital projects, and technical assistance. ComEd was also acknowledged for its Energy Efficiency Service Provider Incubator program, supporting local and diverse-owned businesses providing energy efficiency services.
