ComEd and Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Programs Help NorthShore University HealthSystem Save $300,000

For a hospital, reducing energy use means more than just being environmentally conscious, it can also mean more capital to fund projects that improve patients’ health and well-being. In partnership with ComEd and Nicor Gas, NorthShore University HealthSystem has completed a number of energy-efficiency projects across its four area hospitals. Updates to its lighting system, installed heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems and retro-commissioning are helping save the hospital group approximately $300,000 annually.

With Nicor Gas and ComEd’s collaboration and technical support, NorthShore Skokie Hospital designed its new Ambulatory Care Center with long-term energy and cost savings as one of its goals. Today’s rebate for energy savings achieved in the last year, totaling $14,524, helped Skokie Hospital enhance the design of the facility that now saves nearly 75,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) each year. 

“Growing our communities in a way that protects and preserves natural resources is not only a priority, it’s imperative,” said Rep. Lou Lang (D-16).

“Leveraging the latest technology to prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities helps keep the region competitive and that’s important for Illinois,” said Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-18). “Programs like this offer great ways to provide our businesses with energy efficient solutions and continue to grow.”  

“With ComEd and Nicor Gas’ support in creating a more efficient heath care facility, Skokie Hospital can provide better services to the community overall,” said George Van Dusen, mayor of the Village of Skokie.

“Providing the best possible care is not just about delivering exceptional experiences to our patients. It's about partnering with our communities to ensure their long term health and

wellness,” said Kristen Murtos, president of NorthShore Skokie Hospital.  “Managing our resources as efficiently as possible is just one example of our commitment to the broader community and to sustainability.”

“ComEd offers a variety of energy-efficiency programs and resources that help businesses save energy and money,” said Val Jensen, senior vice president, Customer Operations, ComEd. “ComEd’s new construction service team understands what it takes to design, build or renovate a facility to maximize its energy efficiency goals. Our goal is to help customers reach beyond current practice and realize not only substantial energy and financial savings, but a better building for its occupants as well. Skokie Hospital’s new Ambulatory Care Center is a great example of design and construction done right.”

“This collaboration with Skokie Hospital is a great example of a local business saving energy and money through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program. Whether you are an elite hospital system or a homeowner, reducing your overall energy use while earning financial rebates can allow you to reinvest in other priorities,” said Pat Eaves, manager, Community Relations and Economic Development at Nicor Gas.

Since the launch of Smart Ideas for Your Business in 2008, ComEd has helped businesses save an estimated $127 million in annual electricity costs and reduced their energy usage by more than 1.69 billion kWh. This clean energy initiative is equivalent to the annual electricity usage of over 180,000 average-sized Chicago homes.

In addition, the program has helped more than 13,000 businesses improve energy efficiency with nearly $120 million in incentives; dispensed more than $9,000 in incentives, on average per customer; and provided more than 500 Smart Ideas opportunity assessments to help business customers find energy-saving opportunities in their facilities.

Businesses can schedule a Smart Ideas opportunity assessment by calling (855) 433-2700 or email SmartIdeasBiz@ComEd.com.

For more information on Smart Ideas for Your Business, please visit www.ComEd.com/bizincentives.

Also pictured: State Rep. Robyn Gabel; Sheila Owens, Vice President of Economic Development at ComEd; Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen; and Taria Dees with Nicor Gas.

Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with approximately 6.6 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population.