ComEd smart grid helps propel state to No. 2 in U.S., including the top spot for grid operations

CHICAGO (Dec. 7, 2018) – ComEd's work to modernize its energy grid has brought greater reliability and control over energy usage to its customers, helping to earn Illinois the second spot among all U.S. states in the 2018 Grid Modernization Index (GMI), available at www.gridwise.org.

The report, produced by the GridWise® Alliance and the Smart Grid Policy Center, evaluates and ranks states based on their progress in modernizing their electric systems with smart grid technologies. The GMI applies a clearly defined set of criteria to evaluate the progress of state grid modernization efforts in three key areas: State Support, Customer Engagement and Grid Operations.

"Our work to modernize the grid has helped to deliver the best power reliability and service to our customers on record," said Terence R. Donnelly, ComEd president and chief operating officer. "Thanks to the support of Illinois policymakers and the Illinois Commerce Commission, we've built a smart grid that lays the foundation to connect customers and communities with cleaner energy and more energy efficiency programs and create jobs in some of the fastest-growing energy sectors."

This is the fourth consecutive year that Illinois was recognized as a top state in grid modernization. Illinois and California were tied for first in Grid Operations, with Illinois following only California in the other two categories. ComEd's sister companies within Exelon – Atlantic City Electric, BGE, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco – are in the top half of states in the report.

Today's digital grid helps ComEd empower customers to save more money and energy through new solutions created by the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) that the Illinois General Assembly passed in 2016 and took effect in 2017. FEJA authorizes ComEd to invest $1.4 billion over four years in programs that will save business and residential customers $7 billion and eliminate 95 billion pounds of carbon emissions – while remaining focused on helping Illinois grow and attract businesses.

"This high ranking of Illinois' energy grid and ComEd's sustained reliability performance helps set Illinois apart from other states we compete with for new business investment," said Mark Peterson, President and CEO of Intersect Illinois, a privately funded statewide economic development organization. "A #2 ranking provides businesses the assurance that Illinois is the right place for their continued growth and job creation."

ComEd continues to test new technologies as part of its Community of the Future in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, where the company collaborates with residents to identify needs and opportunities to leverage smart grid technology and related services. In addition to the microgrid ComEd is building there, technology pilots include an electric vehicle transportation service; off-grid wind and solar LED streetlights; and outdoor interactive displays providing community news, emergency alerts, wayfinding and public Wi-Fi. The effort also supports educational programs promoting development of STEM skills among area high school students.