Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee Passes ComEd’s Energy Plan
March 26 2015 - 2:53PM
Business Wire
Bill Maximizes Smart Grid Investments and
Advances ComEd’s Vision for a Cleaner, Greener Illinois
The Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee today
passed SB 1879, known as “The Energy Plan for Illinois’ Future,”
out of committee. The comprehensive bill expands support for
renewable energy in Illinois and ensures that energy consumers and
the state economy will continue to benefit from affordable
renewable power, a more secure and resilient grid and future energy
innovation.
“We thank the Committee for advancing SB 1879, which is a bridge
to a smarter energy future,” said ComEd senior vice president for
Customer Operations, Val Jensen, who testified before the
committee. “This package of investments and programs will build on
the foundation of the Smart Grid that we have been laying since the
Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act was enacted in 2011. It
also responds to the demand from our customers for more choice and
greater control over their energy.”
SB 1879 places a high priority on strengthening the security and
resiliency of the grid by allowing ComEd to invest $300 million in
the construction of six microgrids. Small power grids operating
within a defined boundary, microgrids can connect to the main grid
or function independently, reinforcing power during extreme weather
or other events that threaten critical infrastructure.
“As we strengthen the reliability and the efficiency of the grid
through our Smart Grid advancements, it makes sense to further
reinforce the security and resiliency of the power system to
withstand unexpected challenges,” said Michelle Blaise, ComEd’s
senior vice president of Technical Services and chief engineer.
“The locations identified for the proposed microgrids are integral
to healthcare, homeland security, transportation and water services
and collectively, they serve a diverse range of communities
throughout the region,” she added.
“The ability to keep power flowing to critical infrastructure,
such as hospitals and water treatment facilities during an extreme
weather event or a major emergency is vital to the safety and
well-being of residents and entire communities,” said Gary W.
Schenkel, executive director, Office of Emergency Management and
Communications, City of Chicago. “The microgrid pilot that ComEd is
proposing will play an essential role in emergency management
planning efforts and position our region to better withstand, and
recover from, major threats to our safety and security.”
ComEd’s proposal to strengthen the resiliency and security of
the electrical grid system with a microgrid pilot program is an
investment in the future of Illinois communities, according to Ken
Bouche, COO at Hillard Heintze, one of the nation’s leading
investigation and security firms.
“Microgrids can help ensure rapid recovery from a disruptive
weather event or unexpected security challenge,” said Bouche. “We
commend ComEd’s leadership in helping to make Illinois a safe place
to live and work.”
Sponsored by State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood),
State Representative Bob Rita (D-Blue Island) and State Rep. Ed
Sullivan (R-Mundelein), the legislation will also create at least
400 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois, in addition to the 3,600
positions supported by the Smart Grid program, including positions
at the utility and its contractors and indirect positions.
“Our employees have been proud to play an important role in the
smart grid build out since the program began,” said Michael T.
Carrigan, president, Illinois AFL-CIO. “We look forward to
supporting the continued evolution and expanding capabilities of
this new modern grid serving our region.”
ComEd’s Smart Energy Plan legislation would also establish
Illinois as a leader for a cleaner, greener energy future by
ensuring the integration of renewable energy, including community
solar projects.
Additional features of the legislation include: the allocation
of an additional $50 million in financial assistance for utility
customers in need; the expansion of energy efficiency programs to
reduce energy waste and increase customer savings; the construction
of 5,000 electric vehicle charging stations aimed at jumpstarting
the Illinois electric vehicle market; refinements to Illinois’
existing renewable energy portfolio standard; and a new
demand-based rate design that will allow for the equitable sharing
of grid costs.
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based
Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive
energy provider, with approximately 7.8 million customers. ComEd
provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across
northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For
more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
ComEd Media Relations312-394-3500
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