ComEd Modernization Program

In October 2011, the Illinois General Assembly passed landmark legislation that will transform ComEd’s distribution system in to a smart grid with advanced metering infrastructure and digital distribution automation equipment installed on our lines and in our substations. The Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (SB 1652) authorizes implementation of a 10-year, $2.6 billion investment program by ComEd to strengthen the existing electric system, while adding new digital technologies. This investment represents one of the largest smart grid deployments in the United States and enhances a critical economic development attribute that will help set northern Illinois apart from other regions as we work to grow our overall economy.

The modernization program is designed to enhance overall system reliability, reduce outages, improve power restoration and empower customers to save money. ComEd is legislatively mandated to reduce the frequency of outages by 20 percent over 10 years, resulting in 700,000 fewer outages per year and to reduce annual average outage duration by 15 percent over 10 years. This is over and above ComEd’s already strong reliability levels.

Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act Fact Sheet - click to download pdf