ComEd Announces Upcoming Launch of Low-Income Discount Program
December 1, 2025
ComEd understands that families are struggling with a perfect storm of economic uncertainty and rising energy supply costs due to capacity auctions, which make up as much as half of ComEd bills, and we are committed to helping address these higher costs by providing practical support. That is why, early next year, ComEd will launch the Low-Income Discount (LID) program, enhancing for our customers with a new first-of-its-kind program and expanding upon ComEd’s existing suite of financial assistance offerings. The LID will enable qualifying income-eligible customers to receive a percentage-based discount on their monthly electric bill.
In anticipation of the launch, ComEd is providing some fast facts for customers on how LID will work once in effect next year:
Who is eligible for the LID program?
Customers with a household income of up to 300% of the federal poverty (FPL) are eligible for ComEd’s LID. Higher discounts will be given to customers with lower incomes, based on the below five tiers.
- Tier 1: 0% to 50% FPL
- Tier 2: 51% to 100% FPL
- Tier 3: 101% to 150% FPL
- Tier 4: 151% to 200% FPL
- Tier 5: Up to 300% FPL
How do I enroll in the LID Program?
Customers in tiers 1-4 who have been approved to receive Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding or Percent of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) since October 2024 will automatically be enrolled in ComEd’s LID program. Customers who are approved for a LIHEAP grant in 2026 and beyond will automatically be enrolled in ComEd’s LID. To ensure LID enrollment in January 2026, qualifying customers should reach out to their local administering agency (LAA) to enroll in LIHEAP, automatically enrolling them in the LID Program.
If your income is below 300% of the FPL and you do not qualify for LIHEAP, which is income tier 5 above, you can enroll in one of two ways: visit your LAA now, or beginning next year, self-certify for LID through ComEd’s Smart Assistance Manager online tool at ComEd.com/EnergySavings. If you need to self-certify, keep in mind that this process will not be available until the LID program launches on Jan. 1, 2026.
Customers will not be able to self-certify through the ComEd call center.
After LIHEAP enrollment or self-certification, LID credits will appear on eligible customer bills within 1-2 billing cycles.
What if my income is in tiers 1-4, but I choose not to apply for LIHEAP?
There are many benefits to enrolling in LIHEAP. If you choose not to apply for LIHEAP through LAAs, you can still self-certify for LID through ComEd’s Smart Assistance Manager beginning on Jan 1, 2026, but you will receive the smallest discount (tier 5).
How much can I save through the LID program?
Bill savings are based on average use within a residential service delivery class and will vary by income tier. The program is designed to keep energy costs below 3% of household income, or 6% for homes with electric heating. This means the discount adjusts based on your income level to target affordability.
Why 3-to-6% of income?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, households with an energy burden of 6% or greater are considered to be a high energy burden household. Energy burden is defined as the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs. The goal of LID is to help keep ComEd energy costs below 6% of household income for income-eligible customers who use electric space heaters, and below 3% of household income for income-eligible customers who do not use electric heating.
How long will I remain in the program and how do I recertify?
Once the discount is applied to your bill, the LID credit is effective monthly for up to 24 months, or for the remainder of the current year plus the entirety of the next program year. Customers in tiers 1-4 must recertify using the LIHEAP enrollment process. After two years in the program, tier 5 customers will receive notification 60 days before enrollment expires with information on how to recertify.
How will the discount show up on my bill?
Beginning next year, qualifying income-eligible ComEd customers will see a line item labeled “Low-Income Discount” on their bill. Income eligible customers who have received a LIHEAP grant since 2024 will see the line item labeled “Low-Income Discount” starting with their January 2026 bill. Income eligible customers who qualify for LIHEAP grants in 2026 will see the line item in 1-2 billing cycles.
Are there other programs that can help me manage my bill?
ComEd offers a range of bill support programs including budget billing, payment arrangements, and other assistance programs to help customers manage their energy costs. These programs have helped customers save more than $94 million this year so far. Visit ComEd.com/EnergySavings to explore payment assistance options and ways to save money and energy.
The Low-Income Discount program is created in alignment with the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and is part of ComEd’s commitment to affordability and customer support. By reducing energy costs for those who need it most, we’re helping families stay connected and comfortable year-round.
