Customers Encouraged to Take Advantage of the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program to Help Save on Cold Weather Energy Costs

CHICAGO (November 6, 2017) – As temperatures begin to dip, ComEd has been hard at work to ensure the company's electric system is ready to meet the energy needs of customers all winter long.

​Throughout 2017, ComEd has continued its work to create an advanced energy delivery system, improving reliability and building smart infrastructure for the future. From 2012 through September of this year, more than 9.2 million customer interruptions have been avoided, the frequency of outages has been reduced by 44 percent, and the duration of outages has been reduced by 48 percent thanks in part to ComEd's work to modernize the grid. Installation of advanced technology including more than 3,000 smart switches that reroute power around problem areas and tree resistant cables that storm harden the system have contributed to more than 1.6 million avoided customer interruptions in 2017 alone.

"The work we've done to modernize the electric grid is essential to meeting the increased energy needs of our customers during the coldest months of the year," said Terrence R. Donnelly, executive vice-president and COO. "We are prepared and also want our customers to be ready for the winter season by taking advantage of ComEd's Energy Efficiency Program that provides a variety of plans to help them manage their energy bills." 

ComEd's Energy Efficiency Program is one of the nation's best-performing efficiency plans saving customers nearly $3 billion since its launch in 2008. The plan is about to get even better because of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), a bipartisan bill that passed the Illinois General Assembly late in 2016. FEJA will significantly increase ComEd's energy efficiency offerings to help customers save more than $4 billion and reduce electricity use in Illinois by 21 percent by 2030. For more information on ComEd's Energy Efficiency Program please visit ComEd.com/WaysToSave.

ComEd also offers no costs/low costs tips to help customers reduce their energy costs.

• ​Lower your manual or programmable thermostat during the winter when you leave your home and before going to sleep. You could save up to 10 percent a year on heating. Or purchase a smart thermostat that can offer even more control over the climate in your home. ComEd customers can purchase a smart thermostat on ComEd's Marketplace and get an instant rebate of up to $100.
  
• Check your HVAC filter. If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it.  A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm thus wasting energy.
• Replace conventional incandescent holiday lights with LEDs (lighting emitting diode). LED holiday lights typically consume about 75-80 percent less and can last up to 25 times longer.  They're also more durable, shock-resistant and generate less heat compared to traditional incandescent light strands
• Inspect and replace the caulking and weather-stripping around all windows and doors. Also, check ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump to make sure they are sealed, which often is a cause of energy waste. ComEd offers rebates for weatherization projects. Go to comed.com/weatherization for more information.
• Take advantage of the home energy savings available through the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program. Get a free home energy assessment; receive rebates on weatherization and qualifying appliances and smart thermostats, and save instantly with in-store discounts on LEDs.
  
  Customers in need of financial assistance can visit the nearest CEDA (Cook County) or LIHEAP (Suburbs) agency to apply for assistance. For a list of social service agencies accepting applications, please call CEDA at (800) 571-2332 or LIHEAP at (877) 411-9276 or visit ComEd.com.