Metering.com 11 OCTOBER 2016
US utility ComEd launched its new programme to promote consumer awareness around energy efficiency to improve grid reliability in Chicago.
The programme Community Energy Management comprises multiple initiatives to improve consumer knowledge on energy conservation and efficiency technologies.
The initiative is designed to help ComEd improve its customer service by helping customers save energy and reduce their energy bills through participation in utility’s energy efficiency projects.
The utility firm is partnering with housing cooperatives, aldermans and legislative officials to educate consumers on energy conservation at community level in Chicago.
In a press statement, ComEd said it will partner with the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation, Latin United Community Housing Association, and The Resurrection Project.
ComEd said it will make use of its new energy efficiency awareness programme to develop new energy management techniques. The utility firm will implement pilot projects to test energy conservation solutions which will be developed under the Community Energy Management.
Since the introduction of its energy efficiency programme in 2008, ComEd has helped residential and business customers save $2 billion in energy bills.
The power company has introduced energy management and conservation initiatives such as the Home Energy Assessment and the Multi-Family Energy Assessment under its energy efficiency programme.
Fidel Marquez, senior vice president of Governmental and External Affairs at ComEd, commented: “… we are continually looking for ways to personalize our customers’ experiences and make sure they are receiving information from us that is relevant and resourceful.”
Hipolito “Paul” Roldan, CEO of the Hispanic Housing Development Corporation, added: “At a time of profound fiscal austerity, and rapidly increasing demand for affordable apartments, ComEd’s partnership can be an important tool to reduce energy costs and help stabilize affordable housing throughout Chicago.”
Energy conservation in illinois
In late April, ComEd announced its plans to replace more than 18,000 streetlights with new smart-ready LED models to reduce power consumption in illinois.
The programme which falls under the utility’s Smart Ideas Energy Efficiency Programme, targets installation of the smart LED streetlights in more than 50 municipalities.
Commenting on the development, Val Jensen, senior vice president of Customer Operations at ComEd said: “Installing smart-ready streetlights is the first step in expanding smart city innovations that provide cleaner options, greater operational efficiencies and strengthen safety and security for our communities.”
The project is expected will help municipalities to reduce ComEd streetlight fees as the new lights consume only one third of power used by existing streetlights. [ComEd incorporates Green Button energy management tools]
Furthermore, the lights are said have a longer life span.
By so doing, municipalities are able to remote control the lights, allowing them to dim lights for energy savings and brighten or flash them.