(Above, ComEd Senior Vice President of Technical Services Michelle Blaise presides over a July 6, 2022 ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a new multi-unit dwelling electric vehicle EV charging station completed by ComEd as part of the Communities of the Future project. Photo Courtesy: ComEd.)

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) is proposing to commit $100 million annually over the next three years to promote transportation electrification throughout its service territory in northern Illinois. The Beneficial Electrification (BE) plan – which is pending regulatory approval – will support customer adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the equitable deployment of charging infrastructure and other electrification technologies, reduce upfront EV costs, and more. 

Through a mix of incentives, new rate design options, and educational and technical support, ComEd's plan would help promote the transition to electric transportation and other clean technologies. The proposed investments include an emphasis on equity – with programs designed to ensure the benefits of EVs and other BE technology can reach low-income customers as well as the communities hit hardest by air pollution.

The plan also would significantly lower carbon emissions and improve air quality in communities as EVs replace traditional gas-powered vehicles in Illinois communities. 

The BE plan marks a milestone in Illinois’ implementation of its Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and aligns with the state’s goal of having 1 million EVs on the road in Illinois by 2030 while reducing greenhouse gas emission and improving air quality in communities, which are benefits of increased electric transportation. 

ComEd estimates that the vehicle and other incentives and rebates outlined in the plan would help prevent 900,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. An estimated 4,000 metric tons of local pollutants emitted from tailpipes also would be avoided. 

"ComEd is committed to supporting a clean energy future that promotes cleaner air and safer communities, and that helps all of our communities achieve the goals set forward by the state's new clean energy law," said Gil C. Quiniones, CEO of ComEd. "The threat of climate change requires us to take swift action to reduce emissions by moving faster to adopt cleaner technologies. Designed with input from a wide range of local stakeholders and experts, our plan will reduce barriers for customers and support broad adoption of electrification across homes, schools, and communities in our region – keeping the state at the forefront for clean energy while creating the infrastructure needed to eliminate harmful emissions across all our communities."

Earlier this year, ComEd participated in a series of workshops to engage regional partners, including 10 meetings hosted by the Illinois Commerce Commission, to formalize input from those representing communities, health advocacy, industry, local business, school districts, and other customer groups and interests across the service region. The plan incorporates the feedback from those workshops.

Visit ComEd’s website to learn more about the BE plan.

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