Chicagoan electrical utility Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) has launched its new ComEd Breweries Pilot in Illinois, ringing in the new program with a $30,000 distributed generation rebate to Chicago’s own Revolution Brewing.

Aiming to help small and mid-sized microbreweries lower their rising energy costs, the program focuses on equipment and processes specific to breweries, wineries, and distillers, ComEd says. The company’s newly implemented pilot takes a “customer-centric approach” to bill savings and energy management practices, with a focus on disadvantaged communities around the Chicagoland area.

“As the cost of materials like aluminum and ingredients continue to rise, ComEd recognized an opportunity to help breweries manage increasing financial pressures and shifting consumer behavior through energy-efficiency solutions tailored to their energy‑intensive operations,” says Andy Plenge, vice president of strategy and energy policy for ComEd. “Breweries have long served as gathering places for their communities.

“Today, owners are becoming more creative and innovative in how they operate and attract customers, and we’re supporting those efforts by helping them reduce energy costs and meet growing demand for sustainable practices.”

Taking the heat off some bills

Spiking utility bills around Illinois have created strong headwinds for breweries in the craft beer capital of the U.S., ComEd says. Not only that, but an increasing need for energy and a customer demand for sustainability in the realm of renewable energy has created a potentially perfect storm in the Land of Lincoln. The utility says its program’s success will be measured on how well it helps local businesses weather the storm.

“The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild is proud to see Revolution Brewing leading the way as a participant in ComEd’s Breweries Pilot Program,” says Katie Carrier, director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. “Programs like this create meaningful opportunities for breweries across Illinois to better understand their energy usage, reduce operational costs, and continue building a more sustainable future for Illinois craft beer.”

The Revolution Brewing solar array now provides a total of 180 kW to the facility, good for about 20% of its energy usage. Not only will that produce about 158.5 MWh annually, but it will help the Illinoisan brewery offset 176 tons of CO2 emissions every year. The expansion makes the installation one of the state’s largest brewery solar installations.

ComEd’s rebates are available to small businesses in the alcohol industry to the tune of $300 per kW of generating capacity. The utility’s ComEd Energy Efficiency (EE) program offers discounts, rebates, facility assessments, and other services and, since its launch in 2008, has helped customers save a collective $13 billion on energy bills.

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