New Illinois Data-Sharing Program to Spur Clean Energy Solutions, Cost Savings

Contact:
Jim Chilsen, [email protected], (312) 513-1784

Chloe Looker, [email protected], (415) 293-6122

CHICAGO, February 17, 2017—The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) recently approved an energy data-sharing program for Illinois’ largest electric utility, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd). The program allows companies and researchers access to anonymous energy-use data from ComEd’s nearly 4 million smart meters, which will encourage the development of energy-saving products and services designed to help
Illinoisans save money.

“This marks a major victory for money-saving innovation in Illinois. By allowing techn
ology developers access to customer’s anonymous energy-use data, ComEd’s new program will help Illinois families cut their energy bills
while protecting their privacy. We thank the ICC, ComEd and consumer advocates for working together to make Illinois a national leader in building a smarter power grid that benefits people and the environment.”

  • David Kolata, Executive Director, Citizens Utility Board

“This data will allow rooftop solar companies, energy efficiency providers, non-profits, researchers, cities, and other clean energy innovators to see which neighborhoods and blocks have the greatest potential for money-saving clean energy projects ─ ensuring no community is left behind.”

  • Andrew Barbeau, Senior Consultant, Environmental Defense Fund 

CUB is Illinois’ leading nonprofit utility watchdog. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, it has saved consumers more than $20 billion by helping to block rate hikes and secure refunds. For more information, call CUB’s Consumer Hotline, 1-800-669-5556, or visit its award-winning website, www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org.

Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading international nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and our Energy Exchange blog.