Smart Grid Program Created Nearly 2,700 Jobs In First Quarter 2013

Grid modernization work expected to create more jobs and business growth.

Posted by Heidi Schwartz

ComEd has announced that work related to the Smart Grid program created nearly 2,700 full-time equivalent jobs in the first quarter of 2013. These include nearly 900 direct full-time equivalent jobs at the utility and its contractors as submitted in a report to the Illinois Commerce Commission, plus nearly 1,800 indirect full-time equivalent positions.

The report showed that the grid modernization program produced 896 full-time equivalent positions, including 313 at the utility and 583 at its contractors. In addition, based on the proportion of direct to indirect jobs created by the program in 2012, ComEd estimates that 1,792 indirect jobs were generated in the first quarter among a variety of businesses that benefit from the ripple effect of capital spending. Throughout 2012, the Smart Grid program created 785 full-time equivalent jobs at the utility and its contractors along with an estimated 1,700 indirect jobs.

“The Smart Grid program continues to create new opportunities at ComEd, among labor and supplier partners, and at other businesses benefitting indirectly as we build a 21st century electric grid,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO, ComEd. “This important work is strengthening our system, improving reliability and helping keep Illinois competitive in a digital economy that requires high quality electric service.”

Smart Grid job creation will continue to grow with the enactment of Senate Bill 9, which will put the program back on track by clarifying language in the original law. Smart Grid deployment, which began in January of 2012, has provided an important boost to local manufacturers and service providers with the expertise needed to support the electrical system upgrade.

“Because of the Smart Grid program, we are working with ComEd to accelerate the installation of distribution automation technology, which is recognized globally for the customer benefits it provides,” said John Estey, executive chairman of S&C Electric Company in Chicago. “The technology creates a self-healing capability that is already reducing the frequency and duration of customer interruptions in northern Illinois.”

The Smart Grid law passed in 2011 authorized ComEd to invest $2.6 billion over 10 years to modernize the electric grid in northern Illinois, over $1.3 billion of which is earmarked to build a Smart Grid network and install smart meters in four million homes and businesses.

ComEd’s grid modernization plan for 2013 includes $148 million in capital investments dedicated to system reliability, including the inspection and refurbishment of cable, poles and manholes, along with storm hardening to improve resiliency of circuits especially susceptible to storms.

The utility will also invest approximately $80 million in Smart Grid technology this year, including the digital upgrading of two ComEd substations with micro-processor relays. ComEd  also will add more than 600 distribution automation devices that automatically reroute power around potential problem areas, often with no noticeable interruption in service.

 

Daily News, Economic Development, Illinois, Industries, Site Selection Factors, Sustainability, Sustainability, USA - Great Lakes

ComEd, Exelon, Illinois Commerce Commission, smart grid

Sponsored Content
Featured Location
Featured Video

Webinars, Podcasts & Videos

Camp Hall – A Next Generation Commerce Park in South Carolina

Camp Hall is a first-of-its-kind, master-planned industrial work space located in Charleston, S.C. As a convergence of people, place and programming, Camp Hall delivers thoughtful infrastructure and logistical features that empower people — and business — to thrive.

Hear from leaders at the Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Business Development in Rochester about why they feel Minnesota is filled with opportunities for founders and why investors should consider the power of startups in Minnesota.

Business Benefits In Minnesota, a Mayo Clinic Business Development and Destination Medical Center Perspective

Hear from leaders at the Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Business Development in Rochester about why they feel Minnesota is filled with opportunities for founders and why investors should consider the power of startups in Minnesota.

Agricultural Heritage Meets Strong Manufacturing Base With a rich history in agriculture, the region is now made up of a strong manufacturing base, including everything from snack foods and Gatorade, to leading human resources software and revolutionary plug-less power systems for electric vehicles. Mount Rogers Regional Partnership's strategic East Coast location is the driving force.

Virginia’s i81-i77 Crossroads | Talent Retention & Manufacturing

Learn about manufacturing jobs and facilities in the Mount Rogers region of southwest Virginia. There is ample opportunity for education and jobs in a region rich with culture and heritage.

Share to...