CHICAGO, March 24, 2016 -- ComEd will collaborate with Illinois American Water to transmit water meter data through ComEd’s smart grid network. This innovative proof-of-concept collaboration will leverage ComEd’s existing digital smart grid network to help Illinois American Water better manage water data, unlocking potential new value for customers from ComEd’s smart grid investments.
Currently, ComEd is testing the use of smart water meters on its network in Illinois Tech’s Center for Smart Grid Application, Research and Technology (CSMART), including testing of meter connectivity and meter reads. Now the concept will move from the lab setting into field testing. The collaboration between Illinois American Water and ComEd could include up to 500 smart water meters and will enable key learnings for both utilities.
“The partnership with Illinois American Water is another great example of how ComEd is leveraging our smart grid investments to bring value to customers,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO at ComEd. “Illinois is developing a powerful innovation ecosystem, and we thank Chairman Brien Sheahan and the Illinois Commerce Commission for their thought leadership on the kinds of smart city project we are announcing today.”
“To develop innovative energy policy, regulators must be forward-thinking and aware of the critical issues facing cities, and utilities must address such issues head on by delivering programs that seek to increase customer value through advancements in smart grid technology,” said Chairman Sheahan. “I commend Illinois American Water and ComEd for their collaboration on an initiative that will potentially optimize operational efficiency in the long term and create progress toward the delivery of additional benefits to customers and communities alike.”
The partnership being forged with Illinois American Water is one of many collaborative innovations underway at ComEd to help bring new value to customers. In February, ComEd announced its vision for a “Community of the Future,” in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago – a community in which the smart grid is fully leveraged to enhance the everyday lives of customers. In the years to come, ComEd and the Bronzeville community will work together to create a “smart community,” bringing to bear a host of technologies and services designed to provide residents and businesses new ways to save money, reduce their environmental footprint, and achieve improvements in the community.
Pramaggiore added, “We see the Community of the Future as the next generation of our smart grid work. With our many partners, we are building on the foundation set by the Smart Grid Law to develop innovative products and solutions for our customers.”
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.
