Though a movement is underway to electrify new buildings across the country, existing buildings in communities most impacted by air pollution and disinvestment are overdue for upgrades that can lead to savings on energy usage and costs. That’s why last year, ComEd announced the $40 million Whole Home Electrification program to help customers in low-income single family and multi-unit homes reduce their overall energy bills and lower their carbon footprint by replacing their home appliances and HVAC systems with all new energy efficient electric technologies.
Among the first 56 ComEd households to decarbonize their home, Debora Thompson and her mother Clora Beasley are buzzing over the benefits months after having their gas equipment replaced with energy efficient all electric systems.
“I love my new induction cooktop,” said Ms. Thompson. “I notice that when I boil water it heats so quickly. Because of the induction, all of the food in my cookware gets heated throughout and cooks more evenly as opposed to an open flame that only heats the center of my pots and pans.”
Some of their other energy-saving upgrades include a heat pump water heater, a heat pump clothes dryer, and an air source heat pump, since recent advancements in heat pump technology have made them a reliable way to go green, and a cost-effective alternative to your traditional air conditioning and furnace appliances. Part of electrifying a home may also entail weatherization improvements to seal the home and allow the appliances to work as efficiently as possible to maximize energy cost savings.
Understanding that customers in under-resourced communities want and need to go green, the Whole Home Electrification program removes the financial barrier to clean energy technology by offering the transition to electric with no out-of-pocket costs for households at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).
“ComEd is moving swiftly to support the clean energy transition in Illinois, and part of that means ensuring that customers, regardless of ability to pay, are able to tap into the benefits of new electrified technologies,” said ComEd CEO Gil C. Quiniones. “We’re proud to bring energy efficiency benefits to more low-income customers by delivering the first 50 homes to receive all-electric upgrades that will help drive down energy consumption and enhance air quality. This program is just one example of how we’re moving to boost electrification across the region, which will help reduce pollution and bring cleaner air into our communities.”
Besides Ms. Thompson’s enhanced cooking experience with her new induction cooktop, she is also seeing the financial benefits of converting to all electric.
“First off, I love that I have brand new appliances. Also, my new energy monthly bill has been reduced significantly – there’s no gas bill. Super happy about that!” exclaimed Ms. Thompson. “The entire process of converting my home to all electric was very smooth. I definitely would recommend the program to a friend or family member because to me, it’s a no-brainer.”
The heating and cooling of residential and commercial buildings is one of the largest contributors of carbon emissions pollution in the U.S. today, contributing approximately 117 million metric tons of co2 annually. Efforts to decarbonize communities will play a key role in combatting the effects of climate change and enhancing air quality.
Interested in exploring how to lower your energy usage, along with your carbon footprint? Learn more on ComEd’s Clean Energy Future page.
