ComEd, a unit of Exelon Corp., has begun work on a $155 million expansion of its existing electrical substation in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, to meet surging energy demands driven by regional economic growth and data center development.

The project, part of a broader $1 billion infrastructure investment across 11 initiatives, aims to enhance transmission capacity and grid reliability in the northwest suburban corridor near O’Hare International Airport. Construction is being managed by Ruiz Construction Systems and is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

According to ComEd President and CEO Gil Quiniones, the project aligns with the utility’s multiyear grid modernization plan, approved in 2024, and is designed to support approximately 1.9 GW of additional energy demand in the area.

The substation upgrade includes the installation of gas insulated switchgear (GIS) and 345-138 kW transformers, which will increase capacity while limiting the need for additional land use.

Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson called the project a step toward building a more resilient and future-ready energy infrastructure for local businesses.

The region has experienced strong growth in energy-intensive sectors such as data centers and advanced manufacturing, making infrastructure upgrades essential to supporting continued development.

Source: dailyenergyinsider.com