2004
The Community Energy Cooperative is a non-profit membership organization helping consumers and communities obtain the information and services they need to control energy use and costs. The Cooperative, in cooperation with ComEd, launched the Energy-Smart Pricing Plan (ESPP) in January 2003. This pioneering program gives consumers access to hourly, market-based electricity pricing, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their energy use. The plan gives residential electricity customers market incentives to conserve energy during hours when electricity demand and stress on the electricity infrastructure are greatest. During 2003, the more than 750 Chicago-area households participating in ESPP saved an average of 20 percent on their bills compared to the standard ComEd residential rate, and reduced their demand at peak times by as much as 25 percent. In addition, participants reported that the program increased their overall awareness of energy use and energy efficiency.