Information available on setting up assistance and applying for grants
 

CHICAGO (Jan. 25, 2019) – ComEd representatives will be onsite at O'Hare International Airport Saturday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to assist employees of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) who may be struggling to cover their energy expenses following the ongoing government shutdown. TSA employees are asked to bring their federal ID to the site, where they can receive information on setting up payment assistance arrangements and applying for financial grants. On Wednesday, Jan. 23, ComEd met and assisted TSA employees at Midway International Airport.

In addition to providing bill assistance information to TSA employees at O'Hare, representatives from the ComEd^® Energy Efficiency Program also will be available to provide energy-saving tips, including information on rebates, discounts, and more to help customers save at home. They can also schedule appointments for Home Energy Assessments that include free and discounted products and provide customers with personalized recommendations to help them save energy and money.

"As more federal employees face choices about how to pay their bills, we want to help provide assistance to customers who may be struggling,," said Jane S. Park, senior vice president, Customer Operations. "By providing on-site assistance and information, we hope to make it easier for these individuals to find the help they need."

Energy Assistance Options for All ComEd Customers

ComEd reminds all customers of important energy-assistance options available across northern Illinois to help them meet their energy needs. Customers who struggle to cover their energy expenses have a growing range of assistance options, all of which can help eligible customers reduce budget strain and avoid disconnection of service. Customers who may be experiencing financial hardship can find more information about these options at ComEd.com/CARE, or by calling 800-334-7661.

• Payment Options
  ComEd offers payment options, such as budget billing, which averages payments out over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, and flexible payment arrangements, including individually tailored payment installment plans.
• Financial Assistance Programs
• Under the Residential Special Hardship program, customers who face financial hardship such as job loss or unexpected loss of income, illness, military deployment, senior or disability hardships, may be eligible for grants of up to $500 once every two years based on need.
• The CHAMP (ComEd Helps Activated/Veteran Military Personnel) program enables activated and deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, and Reserves and honorably discharged veterans to apply for grants of up to $1,000 once every two years, deferred payment plans, cancellation of late charges, and other benefits.
• Under the Nonprofit Special Hardship program, nonprofit organizations that struggle to pay their electric bills may be eligible for grants of up to $2,000 once every two years, to help them cover their expenses and continue to fulfill their missions and serve the community.
• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) enables low-income households to apply for assistance paying for winter energy services. Administered by community agencies throughout ComEd's region, LIHEAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of Illinois.
  
  Many of these programs are made available through the 2017 enactment of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), which established $50 million in shareholder-funded ComEd programs over five years to support veterans and active or disabled military personnel, seniors and families, local nonprofits, and eligible customers who face financial hardship.
  
  Under FEJA, ComEd also will invest $42 million per year from 2018 to 2021 on programs to help income eligible customers reduce energy use and save money. FEJA redefined the eligibility requirements for these programs, dramatically expanding the number of people who can take advantage of them.