Organizations in the ComEd utility territory in Illinois planning LED lighting upgrades should take note of an important upcoming program milestone. ComEd currently offers bonus incentives for energy efficiency projects, but incentive levels are tied to application timing.

For facilities teams, operations leaders, and energy managers, understanding these deadlines can directly impact project ROI.

What Is the ComEd Lighting Incentive Bonus?

ComEd’s energy efficiency programs include bonus incentives based on when projects enter the application pipeline. These bonuses begin with a key pre-application deadline of March 31, 2026.

Projects submitted before this date may qualify for higher incentive levels, provided final applications are completed within required timelines.

Private Sector Bonus Structure

For commercial and industrial organizations:

• 30% bonus for pre-applications submitted by March 31, 2026, with final applications submitted by June 30, 2026
• 20% bonus for pre-applications submitted by March 31, 2026, with final applications submitted by October 31, 2026

For organizations considering lighting retrofits, these thresholds may influence when projects move from planning into formal application.

Public Sector Bonus Structure

Public sector organizations—including municipalities, schools, and public facilities—follow a slightly different schedule:

• 40% bonus for pre-applications submitted by March 31, 2026, with final applications submitted by September 30, 2026
• 30% bonus for pre-applications submitted by March 31, 2026, with final applications submitted by October 31, 2026

Because public sector projects often involve longer planning cycles, early coordination around scope and timing is especially important.

Why Application Quality Matters

Timing alone isn’t enough, application accuracy and completeness also play a critical role.

Incomplete submissions or unclear scopes of work can lead to delays and may impact program participation metrics for Trade Allies. For facilities leaders, this reinforces the importance of having well-defined project details and documentation before entering the application process.

Another Entry Point: ComEd Facility Assessments

In addition to incentive programs, ComEd offers no-cost Facility Assessments for business customers.

These assessments, conducted by a ComEd engineer, identify energy efficiency opportunities within a facility. Lighting upgrades and controls are commonly recommended, depending on existing systems.

How can your business benefit?

• No cost to participate
• Identification of potential energy-saving projects
• Guidance on eligibility for incentives and rebates

For organizations that haven’t recently evaluated their facilities, an assessment can serve as a practical starting point before moving into project development.

Planning Ahead for 2026 Lighting Projects

For organizations operating within the ComEd service territory, the March 31, 2026 pre-application deadline represents a key opportunity to secure higher bonus incentive levels.

Facilities teams evaluating lighting upgrades should consider confirming project scope, timing, and application readiness early. As with most utility programs, incentive structures and funding availability can evolve, making proactive planning especially valuable.

How Pacific Energy Concepts Can Help

For organizations exploring lighting upgrades, early coordination can make a measurable difference in both incentive capture and project timelines.

Pacific Energy Concepts works with facilities teams across the ComEd territory to assess opportunities, develop accurate project scopes, and navigate program requirements. By aligning projects with key deadlines and incentive structures, organizations can position themselves to maximize available funding.

With the March 31 deadline approaching, starting early may be the difference between standard incentives and the highest available bonus.