ComEd Helps Save Taxpayer Dollars Through Energy Efficiency Program
August 19, 2025
Last month, ComEd presented the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago with a $423,111 check for its participation in a ComEd Energy Efficiency (EE) Program. Through the Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program, which rewards non-residential customers for responsibly managing energy use and boosting the sustainability of their operations, the MWRD earned incentives by completing energy-saving projects.
Gil Quiniones, President & CEO of ComEd, commends the MWRD’s achievements at its July 17 Board Meeting.
The MWRD was selected for the ComEd SEM program based on meeting the annual electricity consumption criteria of 5,000 megawatt-hours, receiving a facilities evaluation and employee training offered by ComEd to guide businesses on how to save money and energy – all at no cost to the organization. In addition to the direct costs that the MWRD saves from reduced energy use, which the MWRD estimates at $540,000 over the last six years, ComEd offers incentives to SEM cohort members for completing EE projects and implementing behavioral changes, which contributed to $423,111.
“Energy efficiency is one of the most practical and powerful tools that helps customers take control of their energy bill,” said Scott Vogt, Vice President of Strategy & Energy Policy at ComEd. “Whether it’s a smart thermostat, an energy assessment, or installing LED lighting, these programs are designed to meet customers where they are and deliver real savings. When customers participate, they’re not just lowering their bills—they’re helping build a more resilient and sustainable energy system for everyone.”
Over the last six years, the MWRD has implemented EE improvements to reduce consumption at their Egan, Kirie, O’Brien and Calumet Water Reclamation Plants, such as air leak repairs and adjustments to aeration usage. To date, these efforts have saved over seven gigawatt-hours of electricity, which is equal to over $540,000 in financial savings.
“Since 2022, we have worked with ComEd to find ways to use less energy at our water reclamation plants,” said Kari K. Steele, President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. “By making smart changes, we’ve already saved enough electricity to power hundreds of homes and saved over half a million dollars. We’re proud of this progress and excited to keep expanding the program to more plants, including the Stickney plant, to protect the environment and save taxpayer dollars.”
The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a national nonprofit that works with utilities and energy organizations to advance energy efficiency across North America. As a trusted voice in the industry, CEE helps shape best practices and elevate the impact of programs like those offered by ComEd.
“Energy efficiency programs play a vital role in shaping a cleaner, more cost-effective energy future,” said John Taylor, Executive Director of CEE. “These initiatives help households and businesses to reduce their energy consumption, lower their bills, and improve system reliability for everyone. Their continued expansion is key to achieving clean energy goals, and fostering long-term economic and environmental resilience.”
While the ComEd EE Program has provided business customers with over $2.5 billion in incentives and helped complete nearly 180,000 projects, it has saved all customers more than $11 billion on their energy bills and avoided over 103 million megawatt-hours of electricity use since 2008. This is equal to removing 8 million cars from the road for a year.
Adjusting your energy habits and exploring options to upgrade your home or business can help save money, energy, and the planet, especially over the summer when customers tend to use more energy to stay cool. Non-residential customers can apply for the SEM program and learn more at ComEd.com/SEM, and all other customers can check out ComEd’s full catalog of EE offerings here.
