Plagued With High Bills? Financial Relief Available For Wilmette ComEd Customers

WILMETTE, IL — ComEd customers who may be struggling with recently increased bills this

summer can find relief with a new fund designed to reduce the burden of rising electric costs.

Beginning July 7, customers will be able to apply for assistance through a one-time relief fund that aims to provide financial assistance for those struggling with high energy costs. The Customer Relief Fund, supported by ComEd's parent company Exelon, will provide $10 million in bill assistance.

Eligible customers will be provided with relief in the form of grants to be applied to past due bills. Low to moderate income customers will receive one-time grants of $500 and nonprofit organizations will receive $1,000 grants.

“Rising energy supply costs present challenges to customers in many parts of the country, and we at ComEd are proud to do our part to bring a measure of relief to our customers in northern Illinois,” said Gil C. Quiniones, President and CEO, ComEd. “The Customer Relief Fund is expected to bring immediate billing relief to thousands of ComEd customers, and it builds on the ongoing programs
and relationships we have for lowering energy costs and delivering critical financial assistance to those who are struggling most.”

In June, customers noticed a 10 to 15 percent increase in their bills due to higher wholesale electricity costs. PJM Interconnection, which manages the electricity grid for northern Illinois and other regions, found that several factors led to the cost of capacity to rise significantly.

Among them, the retirement of fossil fuel plants, delays in renewable energy integration and rising demand took a toll on bills.

The Customer Relief Fund is designed to serve as a bridge between the end of the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the start of ComEd's forthcoming Low-Income Discount program, which begins in January 2026.

The fund supplements ComEd's existing menu of bill assistance and energy management options, which connected more than 229,000 customers to $133 million in various bill assistance options last year.

“As many residents face unprecedented financial hardships, the critical financial relief provided by these companies is a lifeline for those struggling to keep up with their utility bills," said Debbie Meyers-Martin, State Representative, 38th District."Their proactive response exemplifies corporate social responsibility and underscores the importance of partnership in serving our community’s needs. Together, we are working towards a brighter, more stable future for all our constituents.”