Walking the Green Talk: ComEd Facilities Powered by 100% Carbon-Free Energy
April 2, 2024
Most of us know of the importance of eliminating carbon emissions that contribute to climate change, but without visible examples of how to make it happen, it can be difficult to start. That is why ComEd is stepping up as a resource and model of how to achieve a cleaner, more sustainable future. As of January 2023, ComEd’s entire real estate portfolio is powered with 100% carbon-free energy generated mostly in ComEd’s northern Illinois service territory, made possible by a first-of-its-kind agreement with Constellation, the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy. But unlike many clean attribute purchases, ComEd’s total power usage is matched on an hourly basis with 100% carbon-free energy, setting in motion an electric market that values zero-carbon generation when and where it’s needed.
Since the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Pritzker in 2021, ComEd has kicked its efforts to advance low-carbon energy goals into high gear. All 54 of ComEd facility locations were powered with over 70,000 MWh of carbon-free energy in 2023 alone – without which over 21,000 metric tons of carbon emissions would have been associated with that energy use. This initiative is part of a broader effort, under the Exelon Path to Clean, to reduce operations-driven emissions 50 percent by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
“As part of our commitment to preparing for a low-carbon future, we are leading by example, becoming the first utility to move toward 100 percent clean energy with a full match to our energy demand. This puts a spotlight on ensuring we have zero-carbon electricity when and where it is needed,” said Scott Vogt, VP of strategy and energy policy for ComEd. “As the largest electric utility in the Midwest, we have a responsibility to spearhead sustainable energy practices that will put our communities on a path for a cleaner, stronger future.”
Heat pumps at ComEd Chicago North Headquarters
Leveraging Energy Efficiency
As northern Illinois communities pivot toward more efficient energy systems, they can count on a grid that runs mostly on clean energy. Today, ComEd can meet 96 percent or more of customers’ energy consumption with decarbonized energy sources on an hourly basis and plans to reach 100 percent, thanks to CEJA. While it works to reach this goal, adopting energy-efficient technologies will be key to achieving a sustainable, clean energy future. Take ComEd’s Chicago North headquarters for example. Years before the state enacted its own clean energy goals, ComEd broke ground to make way for a 104,000-square-foot facility in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. Beyond providing a state-of-the-art facility for more than 600 ComEd employees and a STEM learning center for the community, this new building was constructed with sustainability top of mind. It was constructed using only energy-efficient products and methods to minimize environmental impact, and once completed, solar panel arrays were installed to power the facility, including heat pumps – energy-efficient, all-electric heating and cooling systems. Due to the level of environmental and social benefits provided by the new building, it was certified LEED platinum, the highest-ranking sustainability achievement recognized by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the world’s most widely used green building rating system.
“Combining energy-efficient technologies with the use of carbon-free energy to power its entire real estate portfolio is a huge step for ComEd on its Path to Clean, but it’s only the start,” said Scott. “To support one of CEJA’s goals of putting 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030, ComEd is also working to electrify its own fleet of vehicles to reduce the tailpipe emissions released from touring our service region spanning over 11,000-square-miles.”
ComEd is targeting the conversion of 50 percent of its vehicle fleet to electric by 2030. Today, a mix of almost 1,000 all-electric, plug-in, hybrid, or idle-mitigation vehicles are in the queue and 500 charging stations have been installed across ComEd’s now carbon-free powered facilities.
With the clean energy transition well underway in Illinois, ComEd serves as both a reliable resource and supporter to residential, public, and business customers seeking to follow suit. Earlier this year, ComEd announced the launch of new rebates for EV make-ready infrastructure, chargers, and fleets, offering half of all funds to equity-eligible customers and communities to enable the equitable adoption of electric vehicles in northern Illinois. In addition to EV resources, ComEd also helps customers with solar adoption and home energy efficiency programs. Join the movement to a cleaner energy future and learn more about ComEd tools and rebates by visiting www.comed.com/clean.
