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ComEd Encourages Residential Customers to Apply for New EV Charger and Installation Rebate

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ComEd launches a new rebate program to increase access to EV chargers in northern Illinois, offering rebates worth up to $3,750 each for Level 2 charger purchase and installation. 50 percent of rebate funds are reserved for equity-eligible communities to support equitable access to EVs.
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The introduction of a rebate program by ComEd to increase access to EV chargers is a significant step in addressing the infrastructure challenges associated with the adoption of electric vehicles. This initiative not only aligns with broader environmental goals but also has the potential to stimulate local economies by increasing demand for electrical services related to the installation of these chargers. By earmarking 50 percent of the funds for equity-eligible communities, the program also addresses socio-economic disparities, potentially leading to a more inclusive transition towards green transportation.

It's important to note that such programs can have a multiplier effect. As more consumers have access to convenient charging options, the perceived barriers to EV ownership decrease, potentially accelerating EV sales. This can have a positive impact on the stock market, particularly for companies within the EV ecosystem, including manufacturers and utility companies. The long-term implications for energy consumption patterns and grid management are also critical, as increased EV adoption will require utilities to adapt to new demand curves.

From an economic perspective, the rebate program represents a strategic investment that could reduce the total cost of ownership for EVs, making them more competitive against traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The direct financial incentive may catalyze consumer behavior, leading to increased EV adoption rates. In the long run, this could contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and improve urban air quality, aligning with environmental policy objectives.

However, the success of such programs depends on the adequacy of the rebate amount in comparison to the total cost of charger installation and whether it effectively addresses the needs of the target demographics, especially in equity-eligible communities. The economic impact on the utility sector could be profound, as utilities may need to invest in grid modernization to support the additional load from EVs, which could affect their financial performance and, by extension, their stock valuations.

Analyzing the market implications of ComEd's rebate program, there is potential for increased consumer interest in EVs, which could drive sales for automakers and charging equipment manufacturers. The program could also serve as a benchmark for other regions, potentially leading to a domino effect where similar initiatives are adopted elsewhere, expanding the market for EV infrastructure. This could attract investor interest in companies providing EV-related technologies and services.

However, the effectiveness of the rebate program in actually driving EV adoption will depend on several factors, including the awareness of the rebate program among consumers, the ease of the application process and the speed of the rebate distribution. If the program is well-executed and consumer-friendly, it could set a positive precedent for utility-company-led initiatives in promoting sustainable technologies.

Rebates worth up to $3,750 each for Level 2 charger purchase and installation; 50 percent of rebate funds reserved for equity-eligible communities to support equitable access to EVs

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As part of a larger investment to accelerate an equitable adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in northern Illinois, ComEd today launched a new rebate program to increase access to EV chargers. Through the $5 million EV Charger and Installation Rebate Program, ComEd customers can receive rebates of up to $3,750 to offset the cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charger in their home in 2024. Level 2 chargers can charge an EV battery 6 to 8 times faster than charging from a wall outlet, often referred to as a Level 1 charger.

To qualify, customers who live in a single-family home, or multi-family home with two units or less, must demonstrate purchase of a Level 2 charger on or after February 1, 2024. Rebates ranging from $2,500-$3,750, with funding not exceeding the total cost of purchase and installation, will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with low-income customers and customers residing in equitable-eligible communities qualifying for the highest rebate amounts. For more information on application requirements, and to apply, visit ComEd.com/clean.

“ComEd is thrilled to launch our new EV Charger Rebate program as part of our ongoing work to accelerate the benefits of transportation electrification throughout northern Illinois,” said Melissa Washington, SVP of Customer Operations and Chief Customer Officer at ComEd. “The air quality and sustainability benefits of EVs are clear, but we know this technology is not yet attainable for all our customers. Our new programs are working to eliminate barriers so more customers can reap these benefits, particularly those facing financial barriers and those who reside in communities most adversely impacted by pollution and air quality issues.”

To make EVs more accessible, the program offers the highest rebates and reserves 50 percent of funds for equity-eligible communities, including low-income customers and customers living in Equity Investment Eligible Communities (EIEC), as defined by the state of Illinois. This EV charger and installation rebate program is part of a multi-year investment by ComEd, launched last year to accelerate adoption of electrified technologies, including EVs. Efforts to boost EV charging access for customers are key to advancing the goal of 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030 set by the State’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).

EVs are on the rise in Illinois, with 93,000 registered statewide, including 80,000 EVs driving in ComEd’s service territory, up from 17,000 electric vehicles in the region in 2019. Despite the many environmental and cost savings benefits of EVs, barriers to their adoption continue to exist, including upfront financial costs, range anxiety (the fear that the EV battery charge won’t cover the distance you are traveling), and the cost to purchase or install EV infrastructure like EV chargers. The new charger rebate program for residential customers aims to significantly expand access to charging equipment, eliminating one of the key demonstrated barriers to EV adoption. This new ComEd program will further increase access to EVs, building on the Illinois state EV rebate program and federal EV tax credits for new and used EV’s that are helping make EV ownership available to more people.

EVs provide numerous benefits for customers. Not only do they offer fuel and maintenance cost savings and performance benefits, but communities can experience broad environmental improvements from reduced tailpipe emissions. Additionally, electrifying transportation—including cars, trucks and public transit fleets—can create tangible health benefits for all communities and families across northern Illinois, especially communities which have traditionally borne the brunt of climate change and air pollution.

“With dangerous air pollution still a regional challenge and with the burdens of asthma weighing more heavily on lower income communities, this new EV program will help reduce air pollution from the largest source in northern Illinois and make owning a clean, zero-emission vehicle more affordable precisely where they can provide the greatest health benefits,” said Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs at Respiratory Health Association.

“Rebates are key to making EV ownership more accessible in our communities,” said Mary Ellen Guest, Executive Director of the Chicago Bungalow Association. “This program will help our members, especially those on the South and West sides of the City, to add in-home charging to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels on the road.”

“ComEd’s investments to expand EV adoption will support our regional efforts to address climate change and enhance air quality by reducing tailpipe emissions,” said Kevin Burns, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Chairman of the Executive Board, Environmental Committee and Energy Subcommittee. “New rebate programs from ComEd will complement the work our local governments are doing to develop infrastructure, policy and to lay the framework for an equitable EV future here in northern Illinois.”

New residential rebates are just one aspect of ComEd’s beneficial electrification investments. Coming soon, ComEd will launch business and public sector rebates for EVs and make-ready charging infrastructure – with a focus on serving businesses, mass transit agencies, and local governments, among other eligible customers. All together, these efforts seek to promote equitable access to EVs, lower costs of EV adoption for customers and communities, and accelerate the buildout of a regional network of EV charging to serve more customers – a key factor to growing EV adoption.

Using ComEd’s free EV Toolkit, residential, business, and public sector customers can generate detailed information about EV conversion cost savings and learn more about a variety of charging options and how to select the right choice to suit their needs at home, based on their driving habits. Also, customers can discover how to find publicly available charging near them. To learn more, visit the EV Toolkit at www.comed.com/ev.

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 250 energy company with approximately 10 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

ComEd Media Relations

312-394-3500

Source: ComEd

FAQ

What is the new rebate program launched by ComEd in northern Illinois?

ComEd has launched a new rebate program to increase access to EV chargers in northern Illinois.

How much are the rebates worth for Level 2 charger purchase and installation?

The rebates are worth up to $3,750 each for Level 2 charger purchase and installation.

What percentage of rebate funds are reserved for equity-eligible communities?

50 percent of the rebate funds are reserved for equity-eligible communities to support equitable access to EVs.

What is the purpose of the new rebate program launched by ComEd?

The purpose of the new rebate program is to increase access to EV chargers and support equitable adoption of electric vehicles in northern Illinois.

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