Energy Force program educates customers on energy efficiency​

CHICAGO (Aug. 2, 2016) – ComEd marked the fifth anniversary of its one-of-a-kind Energy Force program with a celebration highlighting the dedicated individuals who make up the team and their efforts in helping others be more energy efficient. Launched five years ago, ComEd's Energy Force is the first and only program organized by a U.S. utility company designed specifically to help empower individuals with developmental disabilities to reduce their electricity use and save money—and educate others to do the same.

"ComEd is committed to empowering the communities we serve and we are proud to support this unique program that employs people with developmental disabilities to educate our customers about energy efficiency," said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO, ComEd. "Each year, we have been able to expand this exceptional program to include additional nonprofit organizations and ambassadors, and it has been a pleasure watching each of these remarkable individuals succeed and become valued members of our workforce."

ComEd has increased the Energy Force to 19 nonprofit organizations with an ambassador for each one. The participating nonprofits, located throughout Northern Illinois, work with individuals with developmental disabilities. They include:

• Access Living, Chicago
• Anixter Center, Chicago
• Clearbrook, Arlington Heights
• Easter Seals, Chicago
• El Valor, Chicago
• Envision Unlimited, Chicago
• GiGi's Playhouse, Aurora
• Misericordia Home, Chicago
• Neumann Family Services, Chicago
• Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living, Sterling 
• Orchard Village, Skokie
• Park Lawn Services, Oak Lawn
• RAMP, Rockford
• Ray Graham Association, Lisle
• Search, Chicago
• Shore Community Services, Skokie
• Special Olympics, Chicago
• Special Olympics, Illinois
• Trinity Services, New Lenox

Each organization nominates a person to serve as part of the ComEd Energy Force. Each Energy Force ambassador is expected to conduct approximately ten outreach events in the next twelve months. 

ComEd trains the nominees and staff, providing them with the tools and resources they need to create fun, interactive presentations that offer easy energy-efficiency tips to be shared with their peers and larger audiences. ComEd also provides a stipend to cover time, costs and materials.

"The Energy Force offers an incredible opportunity for these folks to be active in their area and teach others how to conserve energy," said Rey Gonzales, CEO of El Valor. "I have personally noticed how this program has helped our ambassador to develop his interpersonal and communication skills, which will help him in all future endeavors. He takes this job very seriously."