ComEd and Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Launch Fifth Annual Powering the Holidays Grant Program

CHICAGO, IL – July 8, 2025 – As the summer sun casts its warm glow across northern Illinois, ComEd, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus are already looking ahead to the festive winter season. They have officially opened applications for the fifth annual Powering the Holidays Grant Program, inviting communities to apply for funding to illuminate their holiday celebrations. This initiative, a cornerstone of ComEd's community engagement efforts, aims to foster local spirit and enhance holiday experiences across the region.

Applications for this highly anticipated program are now open and will be accepted through August 29, 2025. This year, a substantial total of $60,000 is available to support communities in launching new holiday events or enriching existing ones. The grants are specifically designed to fund light displays and festive decorations, transforming public spaces into vibrant, celebratory hubs during the holiday season. The ComEd Powering the Holidays Program has, since its inception, become a vital resource for municipalities seeking to create memorable holiday experiences for their residents.

Program Impact and Community Benefits

The Powering the Holidays Grant Program underscores ComEd's commitment to the communities it serves beyond just providing reliable electricity. By investing in local holiday events, ComEd and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus contribute to economic development, foster community pride, and create opportunities for residents to gather and celebrate. These illuminated displays often become significant attractions, drawing visitors and boosting local businesses during the holiday shopping season. The program also supports local artists and vendors who are often commissioned to design and install these festive decorations.

Over the past four years, the program has successfully funded numerous projects, ranging from large-scale municipal light festivals to smaller, neighborhood-focused decorative initiatives. These grants have enabled communities to purchase energy-efficient LED lights, install elaborate displays, and organize accompanying holiday activities, such as tree lighting ceremonies and carol singing events. The positive feedback from participating communities highlights the program's success in enhancing civic engagement and creating a festive atmosphere.

Application Process and Eligibility

Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and community groups within ComEd's northern Illinois service territory. Interested parties are encouraged to visit the official ComEd website or the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus portal for detailed application guidelines, eligibility criteria, and submission forms. The selection process typically prioritizes proposals that demonstrate creativity, community involvement, and a clear plan for utilizing the funds to maximize public benefit. The program emphasizes sustainability, encouraging the use of energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Market Context and Investment Insights for Exelon (EXC)

For investors in Exelon (EXC), the parent company of ComEd, initiatives like the Powering the Holidays Grant Program, while seemingly small in financial scale, are indicative of broader corporate strategies that contribute to long-term value. Such community engagement programs enhance ComEd's brand reputation and strengthen its relationship with local governments and residents. A strong community presence and positive public perception can be crucial for utilities, particularly in regulatory environments where public support can influence policy decisions and rate cases.

Furthermore, these programs align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, which are increasingly important for institutional investors. Exelon's commitment to social responsibility, as demonstrated by this grant program, can improve its ESG ratings, potentially attracting more capital from socially conscious funds. While the direct financial impact of a $60,000 grant program is negligible on a company of Exelon's size, the indirect benefits of enhanced goodwill, reduced regulatory friction, and improved public relations can be substantial over time. Investors should view this as part of Exelon's broader strategy to maintain its social license to operate and ensure stable, predictable earnings in its regulated utility businesses.

This initiative also subtly reinforces ComEd's role as an essential service provider, deeply integrated into the fabric of the communities it serves. For a regulated utility like ComEd, maintaining strong community ties is paramount for operational stability and future growth. This program, therefore, represents a strategic investment in community relations, which ultimately supports the long-term stability and profitability of Exelon's utility operations.

Conclusion

The Powering the Holidays Grant Program is a testament to ComEd's and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus's dedication to enriching communities across northern Illinois. As applications open for its fifth year, the program continues to be a beacon of festive spirit, promising to bring joy and light to countless residents during the upcoming holiday season. For Exelon investors, this program, while a modest expenditure, signifies a robust commitment to community engagement and ESG principles, contributing to the company's overall stability and long-term value proposition.