As the weather warms and residents begin to increase their use of air conditioning and recreational equipment, ComEd is urging customers to act now to take advantage of available programs designed to help manage electric bills.

In 2024, ComEd helped customers secure over $133 million in financial assistance and other support options, with similar support available now. To facilitate access to these resources, ComEd has launched a new website, ComEd.com/BillSupport, where customers can easily find information on programs that can help them manage rising energy costs.

Bill Assistance and Energy Management Options Available

ComEd’s goal is to ensure that customers have easy access to the support they need, particularly during times of economic hardship. Through programs such as grants and payment arrangements, ComEd is committed to connecting customers to various forms of assistance.

• LIHEAP provides a one-time grant, with no payback required, while funding remains available. To be eligible, household incomes cannot exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which for a family of four is $5,200 a month or $62,400 annually.

• Payment arrangements of up to 12 months are available for eligible customers with past-due balances. Customers can make a down payment on the amount owed and pay the rest in installments along with their regular monthly bill.

• Budget billing offers a predictable monthly payment based on a customer’s electricity usage over the last 12 months.

• Deposit and late-payment charge waivers are available for income-eligible customers, as well as the return of any current deposit.

• High-usage alerts notify customers when their usage is trending higher than normal, helping them manage their energy use and avoid unexpected high bills.

• Energy-efficiency programs offer services and incentives designed to help customers reduce their energy usage in the short and long term.

Community Partnerships to Provide Assistance

ComEd works with community organizations like the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) to administer many of these programs. CEDA helps facilitate applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and is encouraging customers to apply early to avoid potential service interruptions.

“CEDA is dedicated to ensuring that Cook County residents have access to utility bill assistance before they reach a crisis point,” said Latoya Butler, Vice President of Energy Services at CEDA. “Applying early can help prevent service interruptions and provide peace of mind. However, if you’ve already received a disconnection notice, assistance may still be available.”

For more information on how to apply for assistance, customers can visit CEDA’s website at CEDAorg.net/Bills to apply online or find a Partner Intake Site.

ComEd’s Commitment to Customers

“ComEd’s commitment to ensuring access to safe and reliable electricity means making investments and providing support options that will keep the lights on,” said Melissa Washington, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives at ComEd. “When economic conditions create hardships for families and businesses, ComEd will work to ensure there is easy access to these options and that they continue to meet customers’ changing needs.”

ComEd’s Impact in 2024

So far in 2024, ComEd has helped nearly 74,000 customers secure approximately $26 million in various bill-assistance options. Additionally, the utility’s Powering Lives Resource Fairs have provided tailored support services to families in underserved neighborhoods. These events have connected 1,600 families to bill-assistance options, workforce development opportunities, and health services, with more than 75% of attendees receiving financial assistance.

To access these resources, ComEd encourages customers to visit ComEd.com/BillSupport to explore the full range of available programs.