Employee-Inspired Invention Places ComEd on Top 100 Finalists List for 14th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards
October 05 2015 - 11:31AM
Business Wire
Patent-pending safety device protects electric
utility workers from potential dangers
Out of 535 nominees ComEd, the largest utility in Illinois, has
been selected as one of the Top 100 Finalists in the running for
the 14th annual Chicago Innovation Awards. The awards celebrate the
most innovative new products and services in the Chicago region
across all organization sizes, sectors and industries. On October
27, more than 1,500 business and civic leaders will come together
at the Chicago Harris Theater to honor the winners of the
prestigious innovation awards.
The innovation nominated by ComEd is the manhole flash shield.
Designed and developed by ComEd employees, this innovative,
patent-pending safety device prevents exposure to dangerous
underground arc flash occurrences, which can happen when an
electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the
air from one conductor to another, or to the ground. ComEd’s flash
shield protects manhole repair crews, while also shielding the
underground electrical cable from damage by falling debris.
With approximately 32,000 manholes on ComEd’s system, the
Company is very focused on manhole safety. In addition to the new
innovative device, ComEd has previously implemented several
enhancements and tools to reduce the risks related to work in
manholes. Most recently arc flash testing was conducted to learn
more about various arc hazards and determine additional means of
protection for employees from underground incidents.
“ComEd’s culture is based on safety and innovation. The safety
of our employees, customers and communities is paramount, every
single day, in everything we do. The need to innovate and develop
solutions that bring valued improvements for our employees and
customers are also vital elements of our business,” said Terence R.
Donnelly, executive vice president and chief operating officer for
ComEd. “We are excited to receive this prestigious recognition,
which embodies our culture, and we are so proud of our employees
who care about what they do and are committed to making
improvements that make life better for their co-workers and our
customers.”
“Chicago is in the midst of a monumental upsurge in innovation,”
said Tom Kuczmarski, co-founder with Chicago journalist Dan Miller
of the awards. “It’s inspiring to see the range of vision and the
depth of talent among organizations in the Chicago area. Companies
are investing in innovation and taking more risks to launch new
ventures and uncover new value.”
ComEd is investing $2.6 billion to upgrade its electrical
delivery system. Enacted into law by the Illinois General Assembly
in 2011, the Smart Grid program is helping to modernize a 100-year
old system and bring on new technologies that provide customers and
businesses with greater power reliability, more easy-to-use
technologies and clean energy options. “As we work to modernize our
electric grid, we are exploring new technologies and being
innovative in our approach to developing solutions for our
customers and the electrical system,” said Donnelly.
As one of the Top 100 Finalists, the two ComEd employees who
invented the manhole flash shield received a $2,500 scholarship to
attend The Practical Innovator, a day-long executive education
course on September 28th led by top faculty who teach innovation at
Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
The public is also invited to vote for their favorite innovation
idea through the "People's Choice Award,” an online balloting
process, which concludes on Friday, October 9th. Voters can simply
access the following link to cast their vote for their favorite
innovation.
http://www.chicagoinnovationawards.com/2015-peoples-choice-award/.
“We hope people will visit the site, to learn more about our
ground-breaking safety innovation and vote for ComEd,” said
Donnelly. ComEd is listed under the ‘Energy and Environment’
category.
Out of the Top 100 Finalists, the judges will select 10 winners
of the Chicago Innovation Awards, as well as 10 winners of the
Up-and-Comer Awards representing innovation in the start-up
community, the Social Innovator Award and the Collaboration Award.
The winners will be invited to ring the NASDAQ Bell in New York
City, invited to separate meetings with Mayor Rahm Emanuel,
Governor Bruce Rauner and Cook Count President Toni Preckwinkle,
and receive widespread media recognition.
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based
Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive
energy provider, with approximately 7.8 million customers. ComEd
provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across
northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For
more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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ComEd Media Relations312-394-3500www.ComEd.com/NewsorChicago
Innovation AwardsLuke
Tanen312-988-1516Luke@chicagoinnovationawards.com
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