ComEd Announces $10 Million Relief Fund to Help Reduce Burden of Rising Summer Energy Bills

New one-time fund to help low-income ComEd residential customers and nonprofit organizations across northern Illinois

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ComEd today joined community partners in announcing that $10 million in bill assistance will be made available to help income eligible customers manage the burden of rising summer energy costs. The Customer Relief Fund, supported by Exelon, ComEd’s parent company, will provide one-time grants of $500 for qualifying low- to moderate-income customers, and $1,000 for nonprofit organizations in northern Illinois.

Customers can apply for assistance beginning July 7 at ComEd.com/Relief.

“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.”

ComEd announced the fund at the Cornerstone Community Development Corporation in Ford Heights, IL, where representatives were on hand to connect ComEd customers to currently available bill-assistance and energy-efficiency programs. Company officials were joined by The Salvation Army and the Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, two agencies selected to administer the fund directly to customers.

"We are deeply grateful to Exelon and ComEd for their unwavering support in providing financial relief to underserved residents in our region,” said Angelia Smith, Executive Director, Cornerstone Community Development Corporation. “Every day, we witness individuals and families struggling to meet life's basic necessities. This vital lifeline will not only help them navigate these difficult times but also empower them to regain stability and hope for a brighter future. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

“NHS is working to ensure all Illinois residents—especially those in under-resourced communities—receive the support they need to manage rising energy costs,” said Anthony E. Simpkins, President and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago. “At the same time, we’re focused on long-term, reliable, renewable energy solutions as we design, build, and explore new models of affordable housing for the future.”

“At The Salvation Army, we believe every family deserves to live in a home where basic needs like electricity aren’t a source of stress or hardship,” said Lt. Colonel Jonathan Rich, The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Divisional Commander. “The Customer Relief Fund will make a real difference for people, and we’re proud of our collaboration with ComEd to keep working toward long-term solutions that bring stability and dignity to communities across northern Illinois.”

About the Customer Relief Fund

The Customer Relief Fund will provide timely relief to ComEd customers impacted most by rising energy costs brought on by increased energy use that comes with the summer cooling months, as well as a capacity charge increase brought on by the recent PJM auction that was impacted by power plant retirements, increased load and more frequent instances of extreme weather. As a result, ComEd bills are expected to increase between 10% to 15% this summer, with the average residential customer seeing an increase of $10.60 a month on the supply portion of the bill, depending on usage amounts. The capacity charge is passed through with no markup from or profit to ComEd.

The fund also aims to serve as a bridge to the end of LIHEAP’s funding season late this summer, and the launch of ComEd’s forthcoming Low-Income Discount program in January 2026. The fund supplements ComEd’s existing menu of bill assistance and energy management options, which last year alone connected more than 229,000 customers to $133 million in various bill-assistance options.

To be eligible for the funds, residential customers must be in arrears and be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level which, for a family of four, is $32,150. Nonprofit organizations must also be in arrears. For a list of all bill-support options available to customers, visit ComEd.com/BillSupport.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Exelon and ComEd for their generous support and commitment to our community during these challenging financial and political times,” said Debbie Meyers-Martin, State Representative, 38th District. “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. 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.”

“Our residents have faced numerous challenges recently, and the ongoing battle with water purity issues has only compounded their stress. Adding worries about utility bills on top of that would be overwhelming for many families,” said University Park Mayor Joseph Roudez. “I sincerely appreciate Exelon and ComEd for their innovative efforts to provide our residents with financial relief. Their support is a beacon of hope during these trying times, helping to alleviate some of the burdens our community faces.”

ComEd is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NASDAQ: EXC), a Fortune 200 energy company serving more than 10.7 million electricity and natural gas customers – the largest number of customers in the U.S. ComEd powers the lives of more than 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.