{"id":784358,"date":"2023-09-15T15:04:02","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T19:04:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/26-diverse-suppliers-to-graduate-comed-energy-efficiency-service-provider-incubator-program\/"},"modified":"2023-09-15T15:04:02","modified_gmt":"2023-09-15T19:04:02","slug":"26-diverse-suppliers-to-graduate-comed-energy-efficiency-service-provider-incubator-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/26-diverse-suppliers-to-graduate-comed-energy-efficiency-service-provider-incubator-program\/","title":{"rendered":"26 Diverse Suppliers to Graduate ComEd Energy Efficiency Service Provider Incubator Program"},"content":{"rendered":"

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26 Diverse Suppliers to Graduate ComEd Energy Efficiency Service Provider Incubator Program<\/b><\/p>\n

Since 2019, 71 graduates have joined the ComEd EESP network to deliver energy-efficiency projects that help residents and businesses save money and energy<\/i><\/p>\n

OAK BROOK, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–
\nTo expand the network of service providers that can implement energy-efficiency improvements to help families and businesses save money and energy, ComEd today announced the graduation of 26 diverse-owned suppliers, or 27 suppliers overall, from this year\u2019s ComEd Energy Efficiency Service Provider (EESP) Incubator Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\nThe EESP Incubator Program offers participating suppliers education and training on ComEd’s energy efficiency portfolio offerings; provides one-on-one assistance with certification applications, business growth plans and building relationships with project financing lenders; and identifies, addresses, and resolves barriers to building a successful business in the energy efficiency field. Participating suppliers will also have the opportunity to match with an experienced mentor for additional peer-to-peer support.<\/p>\n

\n\u201cComEd recognizes that when we invest in diverse-owned suppliers, it strengthens families, uplifts communities and creates local jobs now and into the future,\u201d said Erica Borggren, vice president of customer solutions at ComEd.<\/strong> \u201cBy providing support to diverse suppliers \u2013 many of whom are small or family-run businesses \u2013 we can help them compete with larger organizations in the growing market that offers families and businesses the opportunity to save money and energy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nComEd created the EESP Incubator Program in 2019 to focus on recruiting diverse suppliers and support the development of all interested contractors. After graduation, suppliers are eligible to join the ComEd EESP network<\/a>, which consists of contractors, distributors, engineering and design firms trained on the processes and procedures of the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program. Once accepted, these contractors are approved to provide ComEd Energy Efficiency Program incentives to customers and grow their businesses through the successful completion of energy efficiency projects.<\/p>\n

A graduate\u2019s story<\/b><\/p>\n

\nTo address the barriers often faced by diverse contractor businesses, ComEd saw an opportunity to develop programs to support these local businesses, especially businesses whose employees are trained as lighting, HVAC or general contractors.<\/p>\n

\nGeri Harston is a 2023 Incubator program graduate and project coordinator at Chicago\u2019s Taylor Electric Co.<\/a>, black family-owned, female-led electrical contractor that has served families and businesses across the Chicago area since 1922.<\/p>\n

\nAt Taylor, Harston was recently tasked with expanding and improving the company\u2019s service and maintenance department to include energy efficiency installations. To ensure the effective and efficient expansion of the service and maintenance department, Harston turned to the ComEd EESP Incubator program.<\/p>\n

\n\u201cOne concept is that Taylor Electric is not alone in addressing is the need for increased demand to retrofit energy efficient systems. Being able to communicate with other like-minded companies reduces the effects of operating in a vacuum,\u201d Harston said. \u201cWe feel the incentives provided by ComEd will drive more business to Taylor Electric and improve and expand our community-based projects. The support system that the EESP program has in place for us creates a roadmap to successful energy efficient installations for Taylor Electric and the communities we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nHarston is one of 27 contractors expected to graduate this year\u2019s incubator program. The new graduates will join 99 alumni from previous cohorts, of which 71 are part of ComEd\u2019s EESP network. Many graduates will implement energy-efficiency projects located in communities of need which aligns with ComEd\u2019s vision for a clean energy future for all communities it serves, but especially for those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.<\/p>\n

\nOver the years, ComEd\u2019s award-winning energy efficiency program<\/a> has helped customers of all kinds reduce their energy bills and consumption, which also helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Since its inception in 2008, the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program has provided impactful contributions toward Illinois\u2019 clean energy future. Specifically, the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program has:<\/p>\n