Chicago-based utility company ComEd is partnering with the Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and the Salvation Army to allocate $10 million for those struggling with soaring energy prices in northern Illinois.
The money will be available through grants provided via the company’s new Customer Relief Fund.
“As energy costs rise from summer heat and increasing capacity charges, we understand the financial strain this can place on families and community organizations,” ComEd’s Senior Vice President of Customer Operations and Strategic Initiatives Melissa Washington said in a news release. “These grants do not need to be paid back, and they are designed to provide immediate relief to those who need it most.”
Here’s what we know.
How does the Customer Relief Fund work?
Through the fund, ComEd is offering one-time grants of up to $500 for qualifying low- to moderate-income residential customers, and $1,000 for nonprofit organizations.
The grants are provided to eligible customers on a first-come, first-served basis, while funds last.
Who’s eligible for ComEd Customer Relief Fund?
To be eligible for the grant, residential customers must currently have past due electric bills and be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, according to the company. For a family of four, that equates to an annual household income of $96,450.
Nonprofit customers must provide documentation of active 501(c)(3) status to apply.
How to apply for Customer Relief Fund
Eligible customers can find online applications for the fund at ComEd.com/Relief or through one of ComEd’s partner organizations. Both organizations will have a list of locations for customers to submit applications in person.
Here’s information for the two partners:
Residential customers who received LIHEAP assistance within the last 18 months do not need to provide documentation during the application. Residential customers who have not received prior assistance must provide documentation to confirm their income level.
After applying, the Salvation Army and Neighboring Housing Services will notify customers that their application has been approved or denied, and the grant will appear on the customer’s electric bill within one or two billing cycles.
Where does ComEd provide service?
ComEd provides power to 4 million customers across northern Illinois.
The company’s service territory borders Iroquois County to the south (near I-80), the Wisconsin border to the north, the Iowa border to the west and the Indiana border to the east.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: ComEd allocates $10 million to new Customer Relief Fund for struggling patrons. How to apply
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY NETWORK / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
