Goats On Boat Tour Chicago River Before Heading To Work

CHICAGO — Ten goats employed by Commonwealth Edison are spending the day cruising the Chicago River before they head off to work clearing brush for the power company.

The goats are cruising between the City Winery Chicago Dock, Michigan Avenue Bridge and Wolf Point in a six-boat parade until 3 p.m. Wednesday in what company officials described as a final summer fling.

Since 2019, more than 200 goats have worked for ComEd, clearing vegetation from hard-to-reach places in the fall.

According to company representatives, the goats cut the cost and time of brush-clearing by more than half. The program also avoids outages and services disruptions and reduces the use of gas-powered equipment.

It's the second year in a row ComEd has sent its cloven-hooved employees out onto the river ahead of their two-week "goat-ternships."

"ComEd is excited to bring the goats back to Chicago this year to highlight one of the innovative and sustainable ways we help ensure families and businesses throughout northern Illinois have reliable power," ComEd CEO Gil Quiniones said in a statement.

Last year, the goats visited Chicago while on a break from an assignment in Pekin. After this year's goat boat parade, they are set to be taken to Matthiessen State Park in LaSalle County.

"This event provides our hardworking goats with a much-needed celebration," Quiniones said, "and fun opportunity to engage with the customers they serve."