ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus have recognized the inaugural cohort of communities participating in the EV Readiness Program, an initiative launched earlier this year to help local governments prepare to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure.
Funded in part with a $225,000 commitment from ComEd, the EV Readiness Program will help communities streamline policies and implement best practices for safe and effective regional transportation electrification.
“Working alongside partners at the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and others in the region, ComEd is helping eliminate barriers so that our communities from every corner of northern Illinois have a chance to access the benefits of EVs, which lower tailpipe emissions and bring cleaner air into our communities,” says ComEd CEO Gil C. Quiniones. “Congratulations to the inaugural cohort of the EV Readiness Program. We look forward to working together so that more Illinois residents can unlock the benefits of EVs safely and equitably.”
Program participants will focus on policy development related to EV infrastructure, permitting and safety, and support community engagement. Additionally, by building local capacity for EV integration, this program will help remove barriers that smaller communities may face in vying for state and federal funding to expand EV charging infrastructure.
“The EV Readiness Program is the first of its kind, and working together across the region is not new to us,” states Kevin Burns, Caucus Environment Committee and Energy Subcommittee chairman. “Members of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus have successfully collaborated to create the first Climate Action for the Chicago Region and to advance solar adoption in a similar cohort-based manner. ComEd is just the right partner to leverage our strengths as local government to achieve EV Readiness.”
The first cohort selected by the caucus includes a mix of 16 communities across the region: Aurora, Carol Stream, Chicago, Darien, Deer Park, Geneva, Glencoe, Hampshire, Hanover Park, Kane County, Maywood, Oak Park, Polo, Richton Park, Skokie and University Park.
Through the program, EV Readiness cohort members will follow a pathway toward EV Ready Bronze, Silver or Gold designation, achieving status by taking action in several categories related to EV adoption and infrastructure.
Extensive input from over 300 individuals representing local governments, regional organizations, environmental organizations and the EV industry helped inform the criteria for the EV Readiness Program. Members of the cohort begin work in early December and are expected to achieve EV Ready Community designation status within six to nine months. The caucus expects a second cohort of municipalities and counties will start in 2023.
The EV Readiness Program is the latest example of how ComEd is working to help communities unlock the benefits of EVs. To support broad-based EV growth in the region, ComEd has put forward a Beneficial Electrification proposal to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) that would expand investments in fleet electrification, make-ready infrastructure and other customer resources to lower barriers to electrification across the region, including but not limited to EVs. The proposal is focused on areas most disproportionately impacted by pollution, and a ruling by the ICC is anticipated early next year.
Additionally, to support residential customers with navigating EV options, ComEd has created an EV Toolkit – an all-in-one resource providing information and tips on available resources and rebates, rate plans and cost savings options, where to find charging stations, and more.
