ComEd Selects GE for Illinois Smart Meter Roll Out

Illinois base ComEd is to invest US$2.6 Billion over the next 10 years upgrading its electrical grid infrastructure across the Chicago area.  Part of the project is to install 4 million smart meters into homes and business, for this they have selected GE on a $200 million contract.  The whole project is scheduled to start this year and run until 2021 and will modernise ComEd grid facilities and while creating jobs for locals.

The project will bring ComEd customers in line with other parts of the country and offering them its benefits, such as greater control over their energy consumption and cost. ComEd will also have a more reliable infrastructure allowing them to minimise disruptions.

Of the $2.6 billion committed by ComEd $1.3 billion is set aside to build a smart grid network and install smart meters.

GE has previously worked with ComEd as part of the pilot project in 2011. Commenting on the partnership GE’s general manager of sales in North America said, their involvement in the project has allow them to be local by creating jobs.

GE will assemble the smart meters in Chicago and expects to create approximately 50 jobs. This is in addition to those already employed as part of the pilot and those at its global GE Transportation Headquarters here in Chicago.