ComEd pushes to enroll more small businesses in free Energy Efficiency Program

Negocios Now

ComEd announced its support for more than 100,000 small businesses across northern Illinois through free energy assessments that have helped owners cut electricity costs and reinvest those savings back into their businesses and communities.

Gil C. Quiniones, CEO of ComEd, made the announcement in Pilsen before small business owners and local elected officials, highlighting the opportunities available through ComEd’s Energy Efficiency (EE) Program in recognition of National Small Business Week, celebrated May 3–9.

Thanks to the initiative, participating businesses have saved $262.8 million in annual energy costs while receiving $607 million in incentives.

“We want more small businesses — another 100,000 — to take advantage of this program, especially in communities like Pilsen,” Quiniones told Negocios Now. “As you heard from business owners today, some are saving significant amounts of money — around $250 a month — and they’re able to reinvest those savings back into their business.”

Small businesses are the engine of every local economy, Quiniones added. “By offering programs that help manage energy use and costs, we are giving small business owners the opportunity to allocate more of their profits to their employees and the communities they serve.”

The executive emphasized the program’s importance in today’s economic climate, where rising costs continue to pressure small businesses. Beyond assessments and audits, ComEd offers rebates and incentives to help businesses adopt energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, high-efficiency motors, HVAC systems, and insulation upgrades.

“For example, in this case, we covered more than 75% of the cost for upgrades like LED lighting and a high-efficiency motor for a walk-in cooler,” he said. “That makes it possible for small businesses to afford these improvements and realize long-term savings.”

Looking ahead, ComEd’s vision is broad and inclusive. “Our goal is to support as many customers as possible—small businesses, large businesses, and residential customers—to use energy more efficiently,” he said. “That means better lighting, more efficient cooling systems, and improved insulation. These upgrades not only reduce costs, but they also enhance how businesses operate.”

“We are deeply connected to every home and business in Northern Illinois. Last year alone, we spent over $1.1 billion supporting local businesses. That’s our way of partnering with and uplifting the communities we serve.”

When asked about continued support for minority-owned businesses in Chicago, Quiñones reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment. “That is consistent with our principles and values as a company,” he said. “We support local businesses because when they grow, our communities grow.”