With the cost of electric bills up significantly this last year, there’s a new discount for Chicago area, income-eligible ComEd customers.
On Jan. 1, ComEd launched its Low-Income Discount program, which offers percentage-based discounts on electric bills to income-eligible customers. These customers have a household income up to 300% of the federal poverty level. LID has five tiers, offering more savings to those with lower incomes and keeping energy costs below 3% of household income, or 6% for homes with electric heating.
Parents who volunteer with Community Organizing and Family Issues, which advocates for low-income families and has a West Side branch, worked closely with the National Consumer Law Center and Legal Action Chicago to advocate for the new ComEd discount.
“Families are facing affordability issues for everyday essentials, from groceries to electricity bills,” said Michelle Morton, a parent leader with COFI and a member of its West Side branch, in a statement. “Having this discount means families and neighbors in my community will have some extra cash to help them cover the rising costs of food, rent and more. We urge all electricity utilities within the State of Illinois, regardless of size, to take note and implement programs like this that help families keep the lights on in their homes.”
COFI’s work comes at a time when many Chicago families have drastically rising energy bills.
“The launch of ComEd’s LID comes at a time when customers are feeling the burden of this past year’s bill increases,” said Gil Quiniones, president and CEO of ComEd, in a statement. “This new program brings long-term relief for those who can least afford to pay, and it will help them afford service as energy costs continue to rise.”
According to WGN, in the first half of last year, Illinois residents saw electricity prices rise by over 14% on average.
ComEd customers who have been enrolled in the Percent of Income Payment Plan or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program will automatically be enrolled in the LID program.
To enroll in LIHEAP, visit the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County at 567 W Lake St., Ste. 1200. Call the LIHEAP Hotline at 1-877-411-9276 or visit the site locator.
But even those who don’t qualify for LIHEAP, who make incomes up to 300% the Federal Poverty Level, can participate in the ComEd discount by visiting the Community and Economic Development Association or self-enrolling at ComEd.com/SAM.