In ComEd Program, Talented Adults with Disabilities Help Customers Save Energy!
October 25, 2022
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is observed in October to honor the contributions of America’s 35 percent of workers with disabilities and to celebrate the progress made in recent years on employment policies, like the Americans with Disabilities Act, which has helped make workplaces around the country more inclusive.
Since its inception in 2012, ComEd’s Energy Force Ambassador Program has partnered with over 35 local organizations in northern Illinois to train talented people with disabilities to serve as ambassadors for ComEd’s Energy Efficiency and Solar programs, and to provide crucial information to customers on how they can go greener while saving on their monthly utility bills!
Currently, ComEd’s 27 Energy Force Ambassadors provide customers with information on how they can take advantage of ComEd’s myriad of energy efficiency programs and solar offerings.
As part of the program, ComEd provides $7,500 to participating organizations to cover an ambassador stipend, staff, travel, and other costs associated with event coordination. Once the ambassadors are trained on the ins and outs of these programs, they attend at least 10 events a year to provide helpful energy saving tips to customers throughout northern Illinois.
Meet Energy Force Ambassador Bob C.:
Bob C., a resident of the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago, has served as an Energy Force Ambassador since 2018 with The Chicago Lighthouse. His favorite part of the program is that it allows him to head out in the community and to meet new people.
“I love what I do. I connect with the public to educate them on simple everyday energy-saving tips that help them lower their bills and help the environment,” said Bob.
He was inspired to become an Energy Force Ambassador after reading about the program and reached out to The Chicago Lighthouse to help him get involved.
As part of the program, the ambassadors also receive professional development opportunities like effective communication and networking skills.
Three years ago, Bob started his own small business, Chicago Med Mobility, a company that rents accessible vehicles in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. He was inspired by a close friend and mentor to start a business that would help people on wheelchairs have more accessibility to transportation.
“This program gives me purpose because it helps people be kinder to the environment by preserving their energy use. Another important part about this program is that some people don’t have disposable income and with our tips, they can save money on their energy bill, which people are always grateful for,” said Bob.
This time of year, Bob is looking forward to working at his favorite event, the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo.
To learn more about the program and other ambassadors click here. To apply to become an Energy Force Ambassador click here.
