CHICAGO, Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ComEd today
announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind energy efficiency
program designed for and taught by individuals with developmental
disabilities. The program is the first to be organized by a
U.S. utility company.
Tens of thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities
live in assisted living communities or with their families across
Illinois, where many are
responsible for their energy usage.
"Ensuring that all our customers have the tools to manage their
energy use and save money is a priority. What better way to do that
than equipping individuals to teach their peers?" said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO, ComEd. "We
are committed to serving the communities where our customers and
employees live and work and this innovative new program is an
important part of that."
"My colleagues in the General Assembly and I are constantly
working to help remove obstacles and make sure that each Illinoisan
can live life to their fullest potential," said Rep. Esther Golar, chair of the House Disability
Services Committee. "By empowering individuals with developmental
disabilities with the knowledge and tools to save energy and money,
they can achieve a higher level of independence and pride."
"Introducing the nation's first energy efficiency education
program for adults with developmental disabilities right here in
Illinois is a demonstration of
fiscal and environmental responsibility," said Sen. William Delgado, chair of the Senate Public
Health Committee. "Our hope is for this to grow into a sustainable
program that will bring value and improve the lives of thousands of
Illinois residents."
"Thanks to ComEd, this program is going to educate individuals
with developmental disabilities on available low-cost or no-cost
options in helping them manage and understand their energy costs
and reduce their energy usage," said Rep. Mary Flowers, chair of the House Health Care
Availability and Accessibility Committee.
ComEd is partnering with eight nonprofit organizations
throughout Chicago that work with
people with developmental disabilities, including: Clearbrook
(Arlington Heights), Easter Seals
Chicago, El Valor (Chicago),
Gigi's Playhouse (Aurora), Lambs
Farm (Libertyville), Misericordia
(Chicago), Neumann Family Services
(Chicago) and Special Olympics
Chicago.
Each of the nonprofit organizations nominated an individual to
serve as an ambassador. ComEd trained each of the ambassadors and
staff from their respective organizations, equipping them to create
fun, interactive demonstrations that provide easy and simple
energy-efficiency tips to a larger audience.
ComEd will assist the organizations to identify existing events
on their calendars or create new outreach events during the fall
that allow the ambassadors to return to their organizations and
share their knowledge about energy-efficiency techniques.
Each participating organization will conduct eight to 10 outreach
events before the end of the year.
Commonwealth Edison Company
(ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based
Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's leading competitive
energy provider, with approximately 6.6 million customers. ComEd
provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across
northern Illinois, or 70 percent
of the state's population.
SOURCE ComEd