CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As temperatures begin to dip, ComEd has been hard at work to ensure the company’s electric systems is ready to meet the energy needs of customers all winter long.
Throughout 2016, ComEd has continued its work to create an advanced energy deliver system, improving reliability and building smart infrastructure for the future. From 2012 through September of this year, more than 7.3 million customer interruptions have been avoided, thanks in part to ComEd’s work to modernize the grid. Installation of advanced technology including more than 230 smart switches that reroute power around problem areas and tree resistant cables that storm harden the system have contributed to more than 1.5 million avoided power interruptions in 2016 alone.
ComEd’s grid modernization work resulted in Illinois’ recent ranking of 2nd nationally in the 2015 Grid Modernization Index, a national report produced by the GridWise® Alliance and the Smart Grid Policy Center.
“The work we’ve done to modernize the electric grid is essential to meeting the increased electricity needs of our customers during the coldest months of the year,” said Terrence R. Donnelly, executive vice-president and COO. “This work begins months in advance and helps us meet the increased demand for energy, when our customers need it the most.”
ComEd also encourages customers to take advantage of the following no costs/low costs tips to help safely prepare their homes for winter weather, manage their energy usage and reduce electricity costs.
- Set your thermostat up to 10 degrees lower during the winter, when you leave your home and before going to sleep. You could save up to 10 percent a year on heating.
- Check your HVAC filter every month. 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). LEDs typically consume about 75% less and can last up to 10 times longer. They’re also more durable, shock-resistant and generate less heat compared to traditional incandescent light strands.
- Inspect the caulking and weather-stripping around all windows, doors and openings for utility services, replacing as necessary. Also, check ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump, which are often big energy wasters. ComEd offers a rebate program for several weatherization products. Go to www.comed.com/rebates for more information.
- Take advantage of the home energy savings available through the ComEd Smart Ideas® 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 and more.
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.
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with approximately 10 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
