ComEd credits smart grid improvements for improved grid reliability

Since 2012, Illinois’ ComEd has seen the reliability of its system improve by 60 percent, and company representatives are crediting major investments in smart grid technologies for the gain.

On average, the company noted this uptick in reliability has led to an average 45 percent fewer outages endured by customers. Chicago saw the biggest benefit from this, reaching a nearly 60 percent reduction since 2012. In all, the changes have helped avoid more than 11 million outages and saved, by their estimations, around $2.1 billion for the affected society.

“Everything we do starts with providing excellent service to the families and businesses that rely on us,” Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd, said. “Our investments in the smart grid, along with the talented women and men who work hard every day to serve our customers, continue to provide more reliable power. They also serve as the foundation for programs that will enable more clean energy on the system, increase energy efficiency opportunities for our customers and grow the energy workforce of the future.”

Upgrades have included automation of distribution, leading to automatic reroutes of power around potential problem areas. Further, the upgrades have attracted national attention, with the GridWise Alliance recognizing Illinois as the second state in the nation when it comes to grid modernization.