DuPage County Communities Join ComEd’s EV Readiness Initiative

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus have expanded their EV Readiness Program, incorporating 16 additional local governments to prepare Illinois communities for the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. This announcement was made on October 3, 2023, marking a significant step in promoting sustainable transportation across the region.

The latest cohort includes a diverse range of communities and organizations: Blackhawk Hills Regional Council, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Grayslake, Highland Park, Northbrook, Pingree Grove, Riverwoods, Sandwich, Streamwood, Vernon Hills, Winnetka, and Woodridge. By participating in the program, these municipalities will receive technical assistance aimed at streamlining policies, enhancing permitting processes, and implementing best practices for transportation electrification.

Participants can achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold “EV Ready” designations, which reflect their level of commitment and progress in developing EV infrastructure. According to Ajit Apte, senior vice president of customer operations at ComEd, “The EV Readiness Program provides cities and counties across the region with critical resources needed to support EV growth within their communities.” He emphasized that this partnership with the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus enables a smoother transition to electric vehicles for all residents.

Launched in 2022, the EV Readiness Program is designed to assist municipalities in preparing for the rise of electric transportation, which is expected to reduce emissions and lower costs for residents. With the addition of this fourth cohort, over 50 communities in northern Illinois are now engaged in the initiative. Currently, Illinois boasts more than 152,000 electric vehicles on its roads, with the majority located in northern regions. The state’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, enacted in 2021, aims to have 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030.

Kevin Burns, mayor of Geneva and chair of the Caucus’ Environment and Energy Committee, remarked, “The EV Readiness Program is the first of its kind in the nation and shows that local governments can be powerful innovators.” He added that by adopting progressive policies, communities are making clean transportation both accessible and affordable.

The latest cohort commenced this fall and aims to achieve EV readiness status by summer 2026. The program also includes training for first responders and local inspectors, which will be conducted by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134.

Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski, whose city hosted the kickoff meeting for this cohort, highlighted that the program aligns with local sustainability goals. ComEd has also reported awarding over $100 million in rebates to customers since the launch of its EV incentive programs in 2024, with more than half of those funds directed towards low-income or equity investment eligible communities.

The EV Readiness Program has garnered multiple accolades, including the Innovative Community Program/Special Project Award from the Illinois Association of Municipal Management Assistants and recognition as a Top 100 finalist for the Chicago Innovation Awards. For further details about the program, interested parties can visit www.comed.com/EV or the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus website.