CHICAGO — As electricity prices surge across Illinois, ComEd is stepping in with a new $10 million financial assistance program, offering $500 payments to low-income customers struggling to keep up with rising utility bills.
The initiative, which opens for applications on July 7, aims to help residents who are behind on payments and living below federal poverty guidelines. ComEd will also offer grants of up to $1,000 to nonprofit organizations that assist with utility-related hardship.
Why Power Bills Are Spiking This Summer
Beginning June 1, electric rates jumped due to nationwide increases in energy demand, primarily driven by:
- The rapid expansion of data centers, many powering artificial intelligence (AI) systems)
- A growing lag between coal plant retirements and the construction of new renewable energy sources
Customers used to paying around $100 monthly for electricity may now see an 11% increase on their next bill.
ComEd officials say the current grid cannot keep pace with demand. Outdated infrastructure and policy bottlenecks are slowing Illinois’ transition to cleaner energy, worsening supply shortages.
Application and Eligibility Details
To qualify for the $500 relief payment, ComEd customers must:
- Fall below federal poverty level thresholds
- Have a past-due balance on their electric bill
- Apply online at comed.com/relief beginning July 7
Nonprofits can also apply for funds to support residents in need, particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by rising utility costs…