ComEd programs surpass goals

ComEd customers saved more than $20 million in energy costs in the first year of the company’s Smart Ideas energy efficiency programs, according to a news release from the company.

Programs include simple steps like selling energy-efficient light bulbs at a discount and bigger steps like recycling inefficient appliances.

Business customers are helping to drive the new programs, with nearly 5,300 applying for the second program year, which began June 1. The program offers businesses incentives for implementing energy-efficient lighting, motors, heating and ventilation equipment and chillers.

Residential customers can buy discounted efficient light bulbs and fixtures through participating retailers, recycle appliances and get an “energy efficiency tune-up” of electric systems in their homes.

In the program’s first year, energy consumption was reduced by more than 200 GWh, enough to power nearly 20,000 homes for a year, the release said.