In this episode, ILLUME’s Pace Goodman talks with Mark Milby of Elevate and Steven LaBarge of ComEd about what it really takes to move emerging technologies from concept to community impact. They unpack the practical realities of testing new ideas—from rigorous evaluation frameworks to hands-on pilot programs—and share how their organizations are managing risk while keeping equity at the center.
Along the way, they explore why the Midwest’s diverse housing stock, cold climate challenges, and strong cross-sector collaboration make it an ideal hub for innovation. Whether you’re focused on decarbonization, market trends, or how to serve customers more effectively, this conversation offers grounded insight and bold ideas for shaping the future of energy.