Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), an Exelon subsidiary, is the primary electric utility for the Chicagoland area and the largest electric utility in Illinois.  Under legislation passed in 2007, ComEd has $28.7 million earmarked for energy efficiency programs in 2008, and is scheduled to spend over $170 million on energy efficiency programs through 2010.   

ComEd's program offerings are divided into residential solutions (for its residential customers) and business solutions (for its commercial & industrial customers).  

RESIDENTIAL SOLUTIONS

Many of ComEd's residential energy efficiency programs are now on-line and available to its customers. 

Lighting

CFLs use about 75% less energy than traditional standard light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, and each one could save you up to $48 in energy costs over its lifetime.  Through its residential lighting energy efficiency program, ComEd is providing discounts on ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs.  Discounted specialty bulbs -- including globes, reflectors, candelabras, floodlights, dimmables, and vanity bulbs -- will be available this summer at The Home Depot, Costco, and Sam's Club.  There is a 12-bulb limit per purchase, and this discount is available only while supplies last. 

Under this program, ComEd will also be discounting standard residential CFLs (60W, 75W, & 100W incandescent replacements).  These bulbs will be made available for sale at major retailers starting in late August or September; check back to this site for more information as it becomes available.   

For additional information on ComEd's Lighting Incentives, give them a call at 1-888-806-2273.  Click here or on the link above to find out more about ComEd's CFL program from its website.  And be sure to visit the Environment Illinois CFL Headquarters for answers to any questions you may have about CFLs.  

Appliance Recycling

Under ComEd's appliance recycling energy efficiency program, ComEd will do the following: 

• Pay you $25 each for up to two refrigerators or freezers;
• Have them hauled away;
• Dispose of them responsibly -- dismantling your appliances and recycling their parts in an environmentally friendly way.

To qualify for recycling, your refrigerators and/or freezer must be:

• Between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size;  
• Empty and working at the time of pick-up;  
• Accessible with a clear path for removal by contractor.

ComEd will also pick up and recycle your old working room air conditioners along with your refrigerator or freezer.

Click on the link above for more information about this program.  You can enroll online to participate in ComEd's Appliance Recycling program, or call ComEd for pickup at 1-888-806-2273.  

Air Conditioner Cycling

Under ComEd's air conditioner cycling program, ComEd sends a wireless signal to a switch installed on the side of your home or directly on the air conditioner's compressor panel. The switch allows ComEd to turn your compressor on and off, thus using less power safely on the hottest days of the summer -- and helping you save on your energy bills. 

The cycling takes place during weekday afternoons and evenings over the summer, when many customers are away at work.  Customers can choose a 50% cycling option (where an air conditioner is off for 15 minutes out of every half hour) or a 100% cycling option (where an air conditioner shuts off for a continuous 3 hours).  Program participants earn financial credits of $5 to $10 on monthly energy bills.  

Click on the link above for more information on how you can save through this program.  For online enrollment, click here.   

All-Electric Efficiency Upgrade

For building owners, property managers, condo owners, and apartment renters of buildings/units with both electric space heating and electric water heating, ComEd is offering a comprehensive energy efficiency upgrade.  Under this program, Honeywell Utility Solutions Technicians will do the following:  

• Install up to four Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs);
• Replace your sinks' aerators with high-efficiency aerators that save water and energy; 
• Install a new, efficient showerhead;  
• Wrap your electric water heater, if necessary.

For more information on this program, click on the link above or have your building or property manager call ComEd at 1-888-806-2273. 

 

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

ComEd's Commercial and Industrial (C & I) energy efficiency programs are now on-line and available to its business customers. 

ELIGIBILITY

To participate in ComEd's C & I programs, you must meet the following criteria:  

• You must be a non-residential (commercial and industrial) customer within ComEd’s service territory;  
• Purchase energy efficiency equipment or services or contract or conduct work no earlier than June 1, 2008; 
• Install measures for energy savings on a meter with an eligible rate schedule. 

PROGRAMS

If you are a ComEd business customer and would like to learn more about opportunities save money and help save the environment through ComEd's energy efficiency programs, click on the appropriate link below:  

Lighting

To encourage your business to take advantage of energy-efficient lighting opportunities, ComEd is offering incentives to generate an even larger return on energy investment and accelerate the payback period.  Click on the "Lighting" link above for a table of incentives and to find out how you can save.  

HVAC

ComEd is providing a number of incentives for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades. Click on the "HVAC" link above for a table of incentives and to find out how you can save.  

Refrigeration

ComEd is offering incentives for any business with refrigeration systems - and this could mean significant savings for refrigeration-intensive businesses such as supermarkets, convenience stores and restaurants.  Click on the "Refrigeration" link above for a table of incentives and to find out how you can save.  

Motors

Installing premium efficiency motors can save up to three percent in motor energy consumptions, and ComEd is providing incentives up to $7 per horsepower for qualifying premium efficiency motors. Click on the "Motors" link above for a table of incentives and to find out how you can save.

Custom Incentives

Under ComEd's customized incentive program, projects that involve compressed air, motors greater than 200 hp, non-HVAC variable-speed drive applications, and other unique energy efficiency projects may be eligible for a custom incentive.  To qualify for ComEd's custom incentives, a business must submit an application for pre-approval which meets technical specifications and details the scope of the project and energy savings estimates.  Click on the "Custom Incentives" link above to find out how you can save.  

Smart Returns Load Response Program

ComEd Smart Returns is a "load response" program that pays business customers financial incentives for reducing their electricity usage during times of high wholesale electricity prices when requested by ComEd.  For more information on this program, click the "Smart Returns" link above.   

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

To apply for participation in ComEd's C & I energy efficiency programs, click here and follow the instructions listed on the page. 

MORE

To gain a $10 gift certificate for use at ComEd's Online Energy Store -- where you can buy CFL bulbs, programmable thermostats, weatherization products, and other goods to help make your home or business more energy efficient -- be sure to check out ComEd's Home Energy Analysis Tool.  This tool determines which areas of your home use the most energy and teaches you how to reduce usage through energy-saving products and home renovations.