ComEd is now entirely powered by carbon-free energy

ComEd, a subsidiary of Exelon based in Chicago, has achieved a significant milestone by powering its entire real estate portfolio with 100% carbon-free energy around the clock. This groundbreaking initiative makes use of a unique solution where ComEd procures its clean energy supply from Constellation, the largest producer of carbon-free energy in the nation and a prominent competitive retail supplier of power and energy products and services.

 Constellation secured the contract through a competitive procurement process conducted by ComEd for retail electric service. The clean energy provided by Constellation is sourced from the regional electric grid, with a majority of it generated within the ComEd service territory. This carbon-free energy precisely matches ComEd's total energy consumption on an hourly basis, marking the first-ever deployment of its kind in Illinois. This commitment allows ComEd to actively contribute to supporting the clean energy resources in the state.

“We are combatting climate change by making our electric grid more resilient and enabling the growth of renewables and electric vehicles, but just as importantly, we are leading by example by driving carbon emissions out of our operations,” said Gil Quiniones, CEO, of ComEd. “As the largest electric company in Illinois, we must take full advantage of the opportunities now available to reduce the use of fossil fuels in our facilities to improve air quality in all of the communities where we operate and where our employees live and work.”

ComEd's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint extends beyond procuring clean energy. The company is taking steps to electrify a significant portion of its fleet vehicles, aiming to have 30% of its fleet running on electricity by 2025. This transition is projected to eliminate 2,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, supplementing the 4,000 metric tons already avoided annually by the existing ComEd fleet. Looking ahead, ComEd has set an ambitious goal to electrify 50% of its fleet by 2030, with the potential to eliminate an additional 29,000 metric tons of GHG emissions.

“We applaud ComEd for leading by example and demonstrating that hourly carbon-free energy matching is both achievable today and essential to mitigating the climate crisis,” said Jim McHugh, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, of Constellation. “A growing number of large commercial and industrial customers are recognizing that matching clean energy production with when they are using their electricity represents the best path to reaching carbon reduction goals. Importantly, this agreement also affirms the critical role of nuclear energy in enabling the viability of hourly carbon-free energy.”

To achieve these targets, ComEd plans to replace end-of-life internal combustion vehicles with plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. This strategic shift not only aligns with environmental goals but also leads to reduced fuel and maintenance costs, creating savings that ultimately benefit customers. By 2025, ComEd aims to replace approaching-end-of-life light-duty vehicles (LDVs) with electric alternatives, with the vision of having an entirely electric LDV fleet by 2030. This comprehensive approach underscores ComEd's commitment to sustainability and positions the company as a leader in clean energy initiatives within the state of Illinois.