In this powerful episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Rojas from ComEd to explore how the Powering Lives Community Center and other ComEd education programs are lighting the way for students, families, and future energy professionals. From interactive K-12 field trips to immersive college experiences and STEM scholarships, ComEd is building a brighter, more inclusive energy future. Jessica shares stories, insights, and opportunities that empower lives and communities across the region.

🗣️ Topics Covered:

Hands-on STEM field trips for K–12

The “Our Energy, Our Future” interactive exhibit

Internship, scholarship, and college prep programs

How inclusion and equity are central to ComEd’s vision

ShowNotes & Links:

Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "EnergyForce" to hear educational lessons about energy and solar efficiency! Follow and Listen Now on https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/0b9i8XAJKs0?si=VN5B8IO7HB93G9Kt

🎧Follow and Listen to the Special Chronicles Podcast on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/POD

📺LIke watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3&si=1LdygYBIuMJbTBkX to see full episodes on YouTube.

😀Support This Podcast: https://SpecialChronicles.com/Donate

➕Join SpecialChronicles+PLUS! Go to: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show.

🛒Visit our Merch Shop: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

📧Send us an Email: https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

📱Get Social with us: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SOCIALS

📧Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER

🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SPEAKING

💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED

✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

🎙️Podcast Hosting by Podbean: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio by StreamYard: https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission: https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee

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On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt4: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Kelvin Limbrick from ComEd to talk about the innovative and eco-friendly goat grazing program that’s helping manage vegetation under power lines in northern Illinois. With nearly three dozen goats on the job this summer, ComEd is leading the way in sustainability by using goats to clear brush and keep the power grid resilient in challenging terrains.

Kelvin shares the story behind this unique initiative, explaining how goats are the perfect solution for rocky, steep areas where traditional methods would be difficult or unsafe. We dive into the "Goatternship" campaign, which introduces us to the goats with personalities like "Selena Goatmez" and "Great Goatsby" — adding some fun and lighthearted moments to the program’s impact.

From the environmental benefits to community engagement and the goats’ "office" quirks, you’ll hear how these hardworking goats are not just a solution for vegetation management, but also a symbol of ComEd’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Join us for this fun and informative episode about one of the most unconventional and effective approaches to powering the grid!

Key Topics Covered:

- The role of goats in keeping the power grid reliable and reducing outages

- Behind-the-scenes of the "Goatternship" campaign

- The benefits of using goats in difficult-to-reach areas

- How ComEd’s sustainable practices are shaping the future of energy management

Don’t miss this fun conversation about the G.O.A.T. of vegetation management — literally!*

Episode 774 ShowNotes & Links:

Watch Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wSgSWBiF6Uw

Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "EnergyForce" to hear educational lessons about energy and solar efficiency! Follow and Listen Now on https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

ShowNotes & Links:

🎧Click to Follow and Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/POD

📺Click to Subscribe and Watch on YouTube: https://SpecialChronicles.com/WATCH

😀Support This Podcast: SpecialChronicles.com/GIVE

➕Join SpecialChronicles+PLUS! Go to: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show.

🛒Visit our Merch Shop: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

📧Send us an Email: https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

📱Get Social with us: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SOCIALS

📧Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER

🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SPEAKING

💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED

✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

🎙️Podcast Hosting by Podbean: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio by StreamYard: https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission: https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee

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On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt4: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Kelvin Limbrick, ComEd Vegetation Management Sr. Program Manager to discuss important environmental topics, including their vegetation management practices, the role of brush control, and their sustainability efforts in celebration of Earth Day. 

 Key Topics:

- Vegetation Management: Kelvin shares insights into why vegetation management is critical for maintaining ComEd’s infrastructure and the reliability of the power grid. He explains how ComEd prioritizes areas for vegetation management and the safety protocols in place to protect both the environment and electrical systems.

- Brush and Environmental Impact: We dive into how ComEd manages brush and vegetation with minimal environmental impact, exploring initiatives and partnerships that help ensure responsible brush management. Kelvin also talks about the steps ComEd takes to protect wildlife and habitats during vegetation clearing efforts.

- Earth Day and Sustainability: As Earth Day approaches, Kelvin highlights ComEd's sustainability initiatives and community engagement efforts. He discusses how ComEd balances the practical needs of energy infrastructure with their commitment to environmental responsibility and shares special events and educational initiatives for Earth Day.

Tune in to learn more about ComEd’s efforts to promote sustainability, protect the environment, and ensure a reliable energy system for the communities they serve.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation about how power companies can lead the way in sustainability and environmental stewardship!

Episode 773 ShowNotes & Links:

Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "EnergyForce" to hear educational lessons about energy and solar efficiency! Follow and Listen Now on https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

Learn more about trees at: https://ComEd.com/Trees

ShowNotes & Links:

🎧Click to Follow and Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts: https://SpecialChronicles.com/POD

📺Click to Subscribe and Watch on YouTube: https://SpecialChronicles.com/WATCH

😀Support This Podcast: SpecialChronicles.com/GIVE

➕Join SpecialChronicles+PLUS! Go to: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS for our Premium Pre Show with behind the scenes podcast chats, exclusive bonus content, and to help support the show.

🛒Visit our Merch Shop: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

📧Send us an Email: https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

📱Get Social with us: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SOCIALS

📧Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://SpecialChronicles.com/NEWSLETTER

🎤Speaking Engagements with Daniel: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SPEAKING

💡ComEd EnergyForce Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/COMED

✈️United Bridge BRG Partner: https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

🎙️Podcast Hosting by Podbean: https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio by StreamYard: https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission: https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee

. . . . . .

On this rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt2: Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Charlie Carpenter, a ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador from Misericordia to talk about Charlie's Challenges and Accomplishments because of his disability; Being an EnergyForce Ambassador, a Real Passion of Music, and we chat about the Arts and Cultures Programs and enjoy swimming at Misericordia.

This episode originally aired on October 16, 2023

Episode 756 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast756

Learn more about Misericordia: https://www.misericordia.com

This EnergyForce Series is brought to you by ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program: https://specialchronicles.com/comed

Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Program: https://comed.com/EnergyForce

Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to the past 7 seasons of our EnergyForce Series featuring educational lessons of energy and solar efficiency and conversations with ComEd EnergyForce Ambassadors: https://specialchronicles.com/EnergyForce

Support This Podcast: Visit https://SpecialChronicles.com/Give to Donate Now and support the mission of Special Chronicles.

➕Want bonus content? Join Now at https://SpecialChronicles.com/PLUS to access our premium bonus content and support the podcast!

🛒Want our Merch? Visit https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP to shop our Disabled Voices Matter collection!

📱Follow Special Chronicles on Socials:

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials:

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

📻Podcast Hosting: Podbean https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODBEAN

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

Podcast Theme Music: “It Starts With A Voice” written by Amy Wright and performed by Ben Wright, co-founders of Bitty and Beau’s Coffee. Used with permission. https://specialchronicles.com/BittyandBeausCoffee

About the Podcast Host:

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S8:Pt1: Join award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski as we kickoff our 8th year of partnership with the ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program with an updated educational presentation on energy and solar savings, energy efficiency tips, learn more about Electric Vehicles (EVs), and we test your knowledge with an Energy Savings Quiz.

Episode 752 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast752

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/@specialchronicles/podcasts to see full episodes.

Support Our Special Chronicles 2025 Giving Campaign and Donate Now at https://specialchronicles.com/2025Giving

This EnergyForce Series is brought to you by ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program https://specialchronicles.com/comed

Learn more about the ComEd EnergyForce Program: https://comed.com/EnergyForce

Find Ways to ​Save energy and money by taking advantage of these offerings and tools for your home: https://www.comed.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/Pages/Default.aspx

. . . . .

🛒Our Disabled Voices Matter Collection Merch: https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials:

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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On the Special Chronicles Podcast’s EnergyForce Series Season 7 Finale: Linda Rhodes Senior Manager Customer Assistance and Advocacy with ComEd sits down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski to talk about customer’s frequently asked questions about financial assistance paying your ComEd bill.

From Budget Billing Program and high usage alerts to State Program for Eligible Customers, ComEd is here to help those who have high energy bills this holiday season and throughout the year! Tune in to this educational episode about Financial Assistance, Presented by ComEd!

Episode 607 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast607

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLf9HemrAQXjlfJZlMk8iIL-98XcNCQH16&si=85Z3ipU9OIFIh7Gl to see full episode.

Learn more about ComEd Financial Assistance https://www.comed.com/my-account/customer-support/payment-assistance?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6Ou5BhCrARIsAPoTxrCCLVgQdr7MEZFN8qGbQvtZNf10FIC6Pos9wSQgyysGqkIThXUKJ24aAkmVEALw_wcB

Enjoyed this episode? We have more than 40 episodes on our EnergyForce Series https://specialchronicles.com/EnergyForce

. . . . .

🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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On the Special Chronicles Podcast’s EnergyForce Series S7:Pt9: Chris Khalid, Senior Business Program Manager, and Querida Ellis, Principal Program Manager Smart Grid Programs at ComEd sit down with Award-winning Podcaster Daniel Smrokowski to talk all things ComEd Smart Grid, Beneficial Electrification Pilots, and Community of the Future Programs!

Episode 742 Show Notes & Links:

🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast742

📺Like watching your podcasts? Visit https://www.youtube.com/live/0IlmF2wSmsg?si=2LjF80xw7KkAGZdC to see full episode.

Learn more about Community of the Future: https://ComEd.com/COF

Learn more about Smart Grid: https://ComEd.com/SmartGrid

Learn more about ComEd Rebates: https://ComEd.com/Rebate

Enjoyed this episode? You may also like episodes "Education Center" https://specialchronicles.com/podcast593

"Trees For You And Me" https://specialchronicles.com/podcast575

And more than 40 episodes on our EnergyForce Series https://specialchronicles.com/EnergyForce

. . . . .

🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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Lisa Mannella, Senior Marketing Specialist at ComEd joins Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski in studio on the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S7:Pt8 to give us an overview of the Powering Lives Education Centers and how it benefits you the customer!

Throwback to Our Introduction to EnergyForce Program, Virtual Tour of Powering Lives Education Centers, Beneficial for Community, and we cover how accessible and inclusive these centers all for people with disabilities!

Episode 593 ShowNotes & Links:

🎧 Follow: Wherever You Get Podcasts https://SpecialChronicles.com/Listen/Pod

📺Watch Full Video Episode Here: https://www.youtube.com/live/o80xFwMXSuU?si=cIs1nrcEQgFEMAtk

Learn more and Book a visit at  https://ComEd.com/Education

Enjoyed this episode? We have more than 40 episodes on our EnergyForce Series: https://SpecialChronicles.com/EnergyForce

. . . . .

🛒Want our Merch? Shop our store at https://SpecialChronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://SpecialChronicles.com/PODMANDAN

📧Email: Send us a message at https://SpecialChronicles.com/CONTACT

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://SpecialChronicles.com/UNITED

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://SpecialChronicles.com/STREAMYARD

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge at https://JoinTheRevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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Jack Mayor, a Best Buddies Ambassador and ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador sits down on the job with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S7:Pt7 to prepare for National Disability Employment Month coming up in October.

We highlight his role as an EnergyForce Ambassador, his work as an Illinois and Global Ambassador for Best Buddies, his job at Oberweis, Jack's experiences in each role, and how they've helped him with his other employed positions.

Episode 592 ShowNotes & Links:

🎧 Follow: Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/listen/pod

📺Watch Full Video Episodes Here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Ww4bjcwE4zg?si=8VFB2H8avelhoXqH

. . . . .

Learn more about your local Best Buddies

Follow @BestBuddiesIL on Socials: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bestbuddiesil

Learn more about ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program: https://specialchronicles.com/ComEd

Follow and Listen to our EnergyForce Podcast Series: Featuring educational energy and solar conversations with ComEd EnergyForce Ambassadors and Staff https://specialchronicles.com/EnergyForce

. . . . .

🛒Shop Our Merch Store: https://specialchronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://specialchronicles.com/podmandan

📧Email: Send us feedback or a message here https://specialchronicles.com/contact

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://specialchronicles.com/united

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://specialchronicles.com/streamyard

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! https://jointherevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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Shakara Robinson, eChannels Senior Manager at ComEd sits down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S7:Pt6 to talk about Communication of Energy Efficiency.

We talk about Social messages with the customer, ComEd in the Community, and we highlight the importance of the back-and-forth relationship of trust ComEd has with its customers in communicating energy efficiency tips.

Episode 591 ShowNotes & Links:

🎧 Follow: Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/listen/pod

📺Watch: Full Video Episodes Here:

. . . . .

Resources mentioned on this episode: Payment Assistance https://comed.com/PaymentAssistance

Learn more about ComEd EnergyForce Ambassador Program: https://specialchronicles.com/ComEd

Follow and Listen to our EnergyForce Podcast Series: Featuring educational energy and solar conversations with ComEd EnergyForce Ambassadors and Staff https://specialchronicles.com/EnergyForce

. . . . .

🛒Shop Our Merch Store: https://specialchronicles.com/SHOP

. . . . .

📱Follow Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski on Socials: @podmandan https://specialchronicles.com/podmandan

📧Email: Send us feedback or a message here https://specialchronicles.com/contact

. . . . .

✈️Partner: United Airlines https://specialchronicles.com/united

. . . . .

📡Recording Studio: StreamYard https://specialchronicles.com/streamyard

🥇PSA: Sign the Inclusion Pledge Now! https://jointherevolution.org

. . . . .

Sponsor Break Background Music:Puzzle by Roa Used with permission: Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream | Music promoted by Audio Library

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