ComEd offering seniors electric bill help
ComEd has dedicated more than $300,000 through a special "Senior Giving" hardship fund that will be used to help senior citizens who have fallen behind on their electric bill. Through Christmas, or while funds are available, ComEd will pay up to $1,500 toward eligible customers' past due balance.
The "Senior Giving" hardship fund is part of ComEd's CARE program, which offers a range of financial assistance to help qualifying customers pay their electric bills.
To qualify, customers must be over the age of 60 with a past due balance, have not received a Residential Special hardship within the last two years, have no unpaid tampering charges and not be on a Percentage of Income Payment Plan.
Customers can apply by visiting their LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) office and providing their driver's license or state ID for proof of age, social security card and a recent ComEd bill showing the past due balance. The name on the bill must be listed on the account as the primary or secondary customer. For a list of local agencies that take LIHEAP applications, customers can visit ComEd.com/CARE or call (877) 411-9276. There are offices in Chicago, Elgin, Waukegan and Wheaton.
The company also sells gift certificates that can be used to help a friend or family member pay their electric bill. Go to ComEd.com/CARE, or call (888) 784-5262 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.