Knowing About Your Bill-Assistance Options Can Keep You Worry-Free this Winter

Keeping warm and the lights on during the winter can pose a challenge for some families, especially those facing hardships. At ComEd, we understand a helping hand can make a world of difference. That’s why we strive to ensure that customers who are most in need have quick and simple access to bill support, especially during some of the coldest months of the year.

“Providing safe and reliable services is among what ComEd values most, and that includes helping ensure essential utilities continue to run during the harsh winter months regardless of a customer’s ability to pay,” said Linda Rhodes, senior manager of customer assistance & advocacy for ComEd. “By working with state and federal programs as well as creating our own assistance programs, customers have different avenues for lessening the energy burden this winter season.”

Through October of this year, ComEd has helped connect over 198,000 customers to $140 million in support. See below the current available resources and how ComEd can help.

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

LIHEAP is a federal program that helps low-income households pay for home energy services, such as electricity, propane, or gas – those utilities that help heat your home, food, and water. The application period ends August 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted. To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com.

Deposit and Late Payment Charge Waiver Program

Eligible low-income residential customers may have deposit requirements for new service or late payment charges waived through the Deposit and Late Payment program. There is no deadline to apply and those receiving LIHEAP or PIPP are automatically approved and don’t need to apply. To learn more about eligibility, required information, and how to apply click here.

ComEd Energy Efficiency Program

For customers looking to stay current with future bills, the ComEd Energy Efficiency Program offers instant discounts, rebates and services that can help customers reduce energy use and save money on electric bills. Since 2008, the program has helped hundreds of thousands of customers save more than $9 billion on their electric bills.

ComEd Smart Assistance Manager (SAM)

To make it easier to explore the bill-assistance and energy-savings options that are right for you, ComEd offers its Smart Assistance Manager (SAM). SAM is a web-based site that searches through the bill-assistance and energy-saving programs ComEd has to offer, then provides you with a list of programs you may be eligible for with links and other information to apply.

ComEd wishes you and yours a safe and warm winter holiday season. To get connected to other assistance such as with food, shelter, or employment support, click here.