Chicago Construction News staff writer
ComEd says it has received the 2024 ReliabilityOne Award for outstanding reliability performance in the Midwest Metropolitan Service Area and the Climate Action Leader Award for its work to transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy grid from PA Consulting, a global innovation and transformation consultancy, recognizing its efforts in both grid reliability and climate action.
The ReliabilityOne Award recognizes utilities for exceptional performance in providing reliable service, while the Climate Action Leader Award acknowledges efforts to combat climate change by advancing clean energy initiatives.
Since implementing smart grid technology in 2012, the utility has improved overall reliability by more than 70%. Upgrades, along with storm-hardening measures and vegetation management strategies, have resulted in fewer and shorter outages, even during extreme weather events.
“ComEd continues to make strategic investments to ensure our grid remains reliable and resilient, particularly as we address the growing demand for clean, renewable energy,” David Perez, executive vice-president and COO of ComEd, said in a statement. “At the same time, we are enhancing the grid to meet the goals set forth in Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and ensure more customers have access to clean energy options.”
ComEd’s commitment to grid modernization is closely linked to its efforts to support Illinois’ clean energy goals. In addition to reliability investments, the company has become a leader in integrating renewable energy into the grid, having interconnected over 1,120 MW of renewable power, including solar systems for homes, businesses, and communities. By 2025, ComEd expects to connect over 1,900 MW of renewable energy to the grid.
The utility is also helping to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), which is a key component of Illinois’ plan to have 1 million EVs on the road by 2030. ComEd is investing in infrastructure to support EV charging and anticipates an increasing number of EVs will be registered in Illinois, where more than 116,000 EVs are already on the road.
“Through these investments, we are ensuring that our customers have access to cleaner, more affordable energy options,” Perez said. “Together with the State of Illinois, we are helping position Illinois as a leader in clean energy and sustainability.”
Governor JB Pritzker applauded ComEd’s achievements, noting that the utility’s efforts not only improve reliability but also advance the state’s climate goals under CEJA. The law is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.
“In a time of increasing extreme weather and evolving energy needs, Illinoisans depend on reliable, uninterrupted service. ComEd continues to rise to that challenge,” Governor Pritzker said. “By earning both the ReliabilityOne® Award and the Climate Action Leader Award, ComEd demonstrates leadership in both service excellence and sustainability, helping Illinois achieve its clean energy goals.”
PA Consulting’s ReliabilityOne® Awards measure system reliability based on the frequency and duration of customer outages. ComEd’s recognition highlights its successful efforts to strengthen grid resiliency and improve the overall customer experience.
“As our reliance on electricity grows, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles and building electrification, system resiliency becomes even more critical,” said Derek HasBrouck, director of PA Consulting’s ReliabilityOne® program. “ComEd has implemented key improvements to ensure reliability while enhancing their planning, operations, and customer service to meet the challenges of a changing energy landscape.”
ComEd’s dual recognition underscores its ongoing commitment to both innovative grid improvements and sustainability. With continued investments in renewable energy and grid modernization, ComEd is positioning itself as a leader in the energy transition, helping to shape a cleaner, more resilient future.
