ComEd’s Voltage Optimization Program: Enhancing Energy Efficiency, Reducing Costs, and Supporting a Greener Future
ComEd delivered an impressive energy savings of approximately 100,000 megawatt hours (MWh) to its customers through its Voltage Optimization (VO) program. This innovative energy efficiency initiative enhances the operation of household and industrial appliances, allowing them to function more efficiently with reduced energy consumption. As a result, customers benefit from lower electricity bills while also contributing to environmental sustainability. The energy savings achieved last year alone equate to avoiding over 33,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—comparable to removing thousands of cars from the road or providing power to more than 11,500 homes for an entire year.
Since its launch in 2018, ComEd’s VO program has generated cumulative energy savings exceeding 1 million MWh. This remarkable achievement translates to a reduction of more than 738 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, helping to combat climate change and support regional sustainability efforts. The program continues to evolve, leveraging advanced software, cutting-edge sensors, and energy storage technologies integrated into ComEd’s smart grid. These advancements enable precise monitoring and regulation of voltage levels across the distribution network.
Expansion of Voltage Optimization Across ComEd’s Grid
ComEd has steadily expanded its VO program, upgrading an additional 31 substations in 2024. With this latest expansion, a total of 284 substations now operate under VO within ComEd’s distribution system, marking significant progress toward a more efficient and resilient energy grid. The company plans to continue this momentum, ultimately reaching approximately 400 substations by 2028. Once this initial phase is complete, annual energy savings are projected to exceed 1,400 gigawatt hours (GWh). To put this into perspective, that is equivalent to the electricity consumption of about 115,000 average U.S. households each year.
How Voltage Optimization Works and Its Benefits
Voltage Optimization is an advanced energy efficiency strategy that fine-tunes the amount of voltage supplied to homes and businesses. By leveraging smart grid technologies, ComEd can consistently manage voltage levels within optimal ranges, ensuring appliances and electrical devices operate at peak efficiency without unnecessary energy waste. Unlike traditional energy conservation programs that require behavioral changes from customers, VO operates seamlessly in the background, delivering savings with no disruption to customer lifestyles.
According to Mark Baranek, Senior Vice President of Technical Services at ComEd, “Our voltage optimization program enables us to deliver a more precise level of power to meet the needs of customers, reducing their energy consumption, costs, and carbon emissions while helping us proactively identify opportunities that support our reliability goals. VO is enabled by our smart grid technology, and it’s one of the best investments we can make on behalf of our customers.”
One of the major advantages of VO is its ability to reduce overall voltage levels without compromising the performance of household and industrial equipment. By maintaining voltage within the most efficient range, customers can experience annual energy savings of approximately 2-3% without requiring any adjustments in their daily energy use. This benefit extends across all customer classes, including residential, commercial, and industrial users.
The Role of Smart Grid Technology in VO Implementation
VO is a key component of ComEd’s broader smart grid initiatives. The smart grid employs a combination of real-time data monitoring, advanced automation, and machine learning to enhance energy distribution. The implementation of VO involves:
- Smart Sensors and Controls: These devices monitor voltage levels and ensure they remain within the optimal range.
- Advanced Software Systems: These programs analyze data and make real-time adjustments to improve efficiency.
- Energy Storage Integration: Storage technologies help manage fluctuations in energy demand and ensure stability.
By replacing older, legacy equipment with modern, digital infrastructure, ComEd’s VO program not only enhances energy efficiency but also modernizes the communication systems within its substations. This upgrade plays a crucial role in improving grid reliability and reducing service disruptions for customers.
ComEd’s Long-Term Vision for Voltage Optimization
The development of the VO program began with a comprehensive analysis of ComEd’s distribution network to identify substations best suited for optimization. The first substation went live under the VO program in 2018, and the company has been progressively deploying the technology across its network. By 2028, ComEd aims to have 400 substations fully optimized, unlocking substantial long-term energy savings and emissions reductions.
ComEd’s dedicated VO team plays a central role in this expansion. The team is responsible for the initial commissioning of new VO systems, overseeing program implementation, and ensuring ongoing operational efficiency. It collaborates closely with various internal departments, including Capacity Planning and Energy Efficiency, to align VO initiatives with broader corporate sustainability goals.
Synergy with Distribution Automation and Grid Reliability
The benefits of VO extend beyond energy efficiency. ComEd integrates the program with its Distribution Automation (DA) system, which enhances grid reliability by deploying smart switches capable of rerouting power during outages. In 2024 alone, DA technology helped ComEd avoid more than 2.2 million customer outages, significantly improving service reliability. The synergy between VO and DA allows ComEd to deliver more stable voltage levels while maintaining the resilience of the electrical grid.
The annual VO planning process is a critical component of the program’s success. Each year, ComEd reviews its distribution network, prioritizing substations for VO implementation based on their potential for energy savings and cost reductions. The company also collaborates with local engineering and construction specialists to design and deploy VO systems at both the substation and feeder levels.
Supporting Customers with Energy Efficiency Programs
VO is part of ComEd’s broader commitment to energy efficiency, which has been at the forefront of the company’s initiatives since the launch of its Energy Efficiency Program in 2008. Over the past 16 years, ComEd has helped customers save more than $10 billion on their energy bills through various efficiency measures, rebates, and incentives.
For residential customers in Northern Illinois, ComEd offers a variety of energy efficiency programs designed to further reduce energy costs. These include:
- Home Energy Assessments: Free assessments to identify energy-saving opportunities.
- Rebates for Energy-Efficient Appliances: Discounts on ENERGY STAR®-rated refrigerators, washers, and other appliances.
- LED Lighting Discounts: Rebates on high-efficiency lighting solutions.
- Smart Thermostat Rebates: Financial incentives for upgrading to smart, energy-saving thermostats.
