Through a unique program that fosters inclusivity and environmental stewardship, PECO is promoting energy efficiency while empowering adults with developmental disabilities.

Launched in 2018 as an expansion of the company’s education outreach efforts, PECO Energy Force is a program that partners with local nonprofits to train adults with developmental disabilities to serve as ambassadors for PECO’s Energy Efficiency initiatives.

The program’s essence lies in its dual focus: creating a more sustainable world while providing meaningful opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. These ambassadors receive specialized training to educate the public on energy-saving practices through engaging and interactive demonstrations, showcasing that everyone has a role to play in energy conservation.

The ambassadors, who must be at least 18 years old and associated with a nonprofit within PECO’s service areas, are equipped with knowledge about PECO’s Energy Efficiency programs. Their goal is to simplify the science of energy conservation, making it accessible and understandable to all.

“We always have such a diverse group of individuals,” said Misty Gibbons, Senior Outreach Manager at Walker-Miller Energy Services, a PECO partner, who coordinates training for the ambassadors and interfaces with the nonprofits that nominate individuals to participate in the program. “We’ve had ambassadors on the autism spectrum, individuals with cerebral palsy, down syndrome, even someone who was nonverbal and used a speaking machine. They come from all walks of life, some have had full-time jobs, and others have never worked before.”

Gibbons stands in awe of the growth the ambassadors demonstrate after a week of training, then one year of attending community events as a PECO representative.

“Most of our ambassadors come to us as shy and timid, but by the end of the program, they’re engaging with the community,” said Gibbons. “They become subject matter experts and are comfortable and confident in a room full of people. They teach people what they’ve learned about energy efficiency through fun, collaborative, and energetic demonstrations.”

The program runs from June through May each year, and ambassadors are required to attend 12 events, although some of have attended up to 30. PECO graciously donates a $5,000 stiped to each ambassador’s nonprofit and even hosts a graduation ceremony in May. It’s a model that benefits the ambassadors, their organizations, and the community at large.

“The soft skills they are learning — how to talk to customers, how to dress properly for work, etc. — are transferrable,” said Dana McCollum, a Senior Marketing Specialist at PECO who oversees the company’s energy efficiency outreach and education. “They’ll carry this experience with them for the rest of their lives.”

The program is a testament to PECO’s investment in community and environmental well-being.

“Once the ambassadors put on a PECO shirt, they’re PECO-branded,” said Gibbons. “They have a badge and are the face of PECO. One year, one of our ambassadors literally cried at our graduation ceremony when we donated the stiped to her nonprofit because she had never been paid for her work before. She was overwhelmed with emotion and felt so valued for her contributions.”

By training adults with developmental disabilities to become ambassadors, PECO is not only championing energy conservation but also highlighting the valuable contributions that people with disabilities can make to our communities.

“Without a doubt, working with the ambassadors is the best part of my job,” said Gibbons.

To learn more about the PECO Energy Force Ambassadors program, contact Dana McCollum at dana.mccollum@peco-energy.com.