Alderman Tom Tunney - 44th Ward Chicago

Alderman Tom Tunney
44th Ward
Seal_of_Chicago

ComEd Financial Assistance Options

 

  • ComEd Bill Payment Assistance Program. In April 2021, ComEd will increase the amount of funds available to provide more one-time bill credits of up to $500, while funds are available. These credits are for eligible residential customers who have outstanding balances or who are looking to reconnect their electric service.
  • More Flexible Payment Arrangements. Through June 30, 2021, ComEd is offering extended payment arrangement plans to eligible households, which allows customers to spread outstanding balances over 18 monthly installments with no money down. Eligible residential customers facing financial hardship who enroll in an 18-month, no money down payment plan will be exempt from disconnection through June 30, 2021. All other eligible residential customers with outstanding balances can enroll in an 18-month payment plan with a 10-percent down payment through June 30, 2021.
  • Service Reconnection Assistance. Through July 10, 2021, eligible households that had electric service disconnected for a non-safety reason in 2021 can have their service reconnected by providing only 25 percent of their outstanding balance. Any remaining outstanding balance will be rolled into an 18-month, no-money-down payment plan.

 

Additional financial assistance options

The ComEd CARE programs also offer a range of financial-assistance options, while funding is available, to help eligible customers pay their electric bills. There are programs available for residential, small-business customers and nonprofit organizations, as well as activated and deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, Reserves and honorably discharged veterans.

Any customer experiencing a hardship or difficulty with their electric bill should call ComEd immediately at 1-800-334-7661 (1-800-EDISON1), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more on how to apply. Information on each of these options, along with eligibility requirements, can be found at www.ComEd.com/PaymentAssistance.

ComEd also offers usage alerts and energy-management tips to help customers manage energy use to save money now and on future electric bills. For information, visit www.ComEd.com/OnlineTools.

Lead Service Line Replacement Programs Taking Applications

Last fall the City has announced two new lead service line replacement programs for homeowners who would like to replace their lead service lines. If you live in a single-family or two-flat home built before 1986, it is likely that you have a lead service line. Chicago’s drinking water is in compliance with all industry, state and federal standards so replacement is completely voluntary.

  • Homeowner-Initiated Program. If a homeowner wants to hire a contractor and remove the existing lead service line, this program will waive the permit fees for the project. This could amount to a savings of up to $3,100. Additionally, the City will attach the new service line to the water main and provide a free water meter for the contractor to install, if there isn’t one already in place. To qualify, the request for the fee waiver must be a standalone and not made in conjunction with a home renovation or expansion.
  • Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program. Under this program, you may be eligible for a free lead service line replacement all the way from the water main into your home plus installation of a free water meter to save money on your water bills if:
    • Live in a single-family or two-flat you own.
    • Have a household income below 80% of the area median income ($72,800 for a family of 4).
    • Have consistent results of at least 15 parts per billion of lead in your water in free testing by done by the Department of Water Management.

Residents interested in the Equity Program are encouraged to call 311 and ask for a water test kit to get started. More information on both these programs and links to apply can be found at: https://www.leadsafechicago.org/lead-service-line-replacement