​Adults with developmental disabilities empowered with energy efficiency training tools

PHILADELPHIA (September 19, 2018) – This month marks the official launch of the PECO Energy Force. PECO Energy Force is a program that partners with local non-profit organizations to train adults with developmental disabilities to serve as Ambassadors for PECO's Energy Efficiency programs. Selected Ambassadors will be educating the public about ways to save energy and money.

The Ambassadors receive training and resources that help them to create fun, interactive demonstrations that deliver simple energy-efficiency tips to their peers and PECO customers, spreading key messages about the benefits of energy efficiency and conservation at home.

"PECO is committed to empowering our customers and the communities we serve. By adding Energy Force Ambassadors to our energy-efficiency team, we are expanding our ability to help customers save energy and money," said Mike Innocenzo, PECO president and CEO. "Our Ambassadors are enthusiastic, confident and passionate about conservation and energy efficiency, and we are all looking forward to connecting them with our customers to share this important information."

Each year, local non-profit organizations will be invited to nominate one eligible Ambassador to participate in PECO's Energy Force program. Nominating non-profit organizations must be located in and serve residents within the PECO service territory. Ambassadors in this year's program came to PECO Energy Force from four such organizations: Special Olympics of PA, Variety Club – The Children's Charity of Greater Philadelphia, Aspira, and Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence (JCHAI).

PECO has provided Energy Force Ambassadors training about the basics of energy efficiency and conservation, PECO's energy-efficiency programs and tools on how to present the information. Each Ambassador is expected to participate in 12 events between September 1, 2018 and August 31, 2019 —at events held by their own organizations, at PECO-sponsored events and in the community at-large. PECO's outreach team assists in placing Energy Force Ambassadors at community events and provides support during the events.

At the conclusion of the program year, Energy Force Ambassadors will be invited to participate in a graduation ceremony where they will receive a certificate for completing the program. PECO joins sister company, ComEd, in providing this unique opportunity for the community it serves and expects to see similar growth in participation over the years to come.

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PECO, founded in 1881, is Pennsylvania's largest electric and natural gas utility.  Headquartered in Philadelphia, PECO delivers energy to more than 1.6 million electric customers and more than 516,000 natural gas customers in southeastern, Pennsylvania.  The company's 2,500 employees are dedicated to the safe and reliable delivery of electricity and natural gas as well as enhanced energy management conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance.  PECO was named 2017 Best Midsize Employer in Philadelphia by Forbes Magazine. The company also has an estimated annual economic impact of $4.3 billion in Pennsylvania, supporting more than 8,700 local jobs and producing $732 million in labor income.  PECO is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's only Fortune 100 utility and leading competitive energy provider. For more information visit PECO.com, and connect with the company on Facebook and Twitter.

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