Power Pairing; Exelon Joins with Habitat

By Alanna Malone

Photos © Habitat for Humanity

Exelon employees assist with the weatherization of a Chicago Heights home, one of the first projects conducted in the Exelon-sponsored pilot to improve the energy efficiency of existing houses belonging to low-income families. (top); Exelon employee volunteers work with Habitat for Humanity’s Lake County affiliate to construct what is expected to become the first Habitat house in Illinois to receive LEED certification (bottom).

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Exelon Corporation, one of the country’s largest energy providers, is now working with Habitat for Humanity International to help weatherize low-income homes to reduce energy use (and utility bills).

The company recently began a ten-month initiative to replace insulation, fix door seals, switch light bulbs, and add low-flow devices to plumbing on homes across the country.  Exelon has given $300,000 with employees pledging over 7,000 volunteer hours. The Dow Chemical Company is supporting the program by donating insulation and volunteer labor, while Whirlpool is contributing Energy Star appliances.

Officials estimate the changes will help homeowners save between 12 and 25 percent on their utility bills. The majority of the projects will be in northern Illinois, with others in Pennsylvania and Texas.

In July, Habitat and Exelon volunteers worked on a separate project in Waukegan, Illinois that is expected to become Habitat’s first LEED-certified home in Illinois. Construction manager, Ted Ramai, says the team employed a “common sense approach to sustainability” with extensive insulation and efficient mechanical systems.

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