This is an unprecedented moment in the energy sector: More people are depending on electricity for everyday life than ever before, from work and school to health care and transportation. At the same time, growing businesses, advanced manufacturing, data centers and severe weather are placing strain on the energy system. Demand for power is rising faster than new generation supply is coming online, so to keep electricity reliable and affordable, power companies like ComEd must continue making smart investments to strengthen the grid and keep pace with customers’ evolving needs.
ComEd recently laid out its vision for tackling these challenges, while also seizing opportunities to empower customers and communities. The Long-Range Strategy (LRS) is built on three key themes: People, Power and Progress. Prioritizing investments in these three areas over the next 10 years is critical to making northern Illinois a place where energy remains reliable, where bills are kept as low as possible, and where everyone shares in the benefits.
Gil presenting at ComEd’s Tinley Park employee Roadshow
“To meet this pivotal moment, it requires a strategy that looks to the decade to come and considers what actions are needed to build an energy system that is not only smarter and cleaner but also more affordable, more flexible and more equitable,” said Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of ComEd. “We will make northern Illinois’ power grid ever more secure, more efficient and more resilient while advancing a set of shared energy and economic development goals.”
ComEd executives have nearly concluded their 10-stop tour of northern Illinois, informing employees about the role they will play in achieving the strategy’s primary objectives. The LRS is being presented by the same leaders who helped develop it to highlight how the energy system is changing and what it will take to support customers through this transition.
Dale presenting at ComEd’s Tinley Park employee Roadshow
Informing customers is equally important, because they will need to be more engaged with their energy to take advantage of cost-saving tools, and because they may be curious to learn how ComEd intends to keep energy reliable and affordable during a period of rapid change.
“We are dedicated to meeting our residential and business customers where they are, and sticking to this strategy will ensure that we provide tools to improve their experience with ComEd,” said Dale Player, Vice President of Engineering and Smart Grid for ComEd. “The Long-Range Strategy will also guide our grid investments over the next decade and beyond to build on our strong track record of reliability, our commitment to a 100% clean energy grid and our promise to keep energy accessible for everyone at the lowest possible cost.”
Defining Three Strategic Pillars
People comes first, because energy should be accessible and affordable for all. ComEd is committed to helping customers keep bills as low as possible by making energy choices easier to understand and connecting people to programs that can help them save. The company is also investing in job training and career paths, so that the shift to cleaner energy creates real opportunities in the communities we serve.
Power is about making sure electricity is always there when customers need it. That means strengthening the grid so it can handle extreme weather, fix problems faster and keep people safe. ComEd is using new technology to spot issues early, to reduce power outages and to keep the system running smoothly.
Progress looks to the future. As Illinois grows and more people choose cleaner energy, the grid must keep up. ComEd is preparing the grid for a future with more EVs, more local solar power and more demand from growing businesses. The company is also focused on ensuring this growth is fair and does not drive up costs for customers.
Throughout the year, Powering Lives Network (PLN) will share real stories about work that is bringing the LRS to life and is helping power lives across northern Illinois. Keep up to date with PLN to learn more about how we are putting people first, strengthening the power system, and progressing towards a cleaner energy future.
