ComEd highlights $50 million customer assistance programs in Rockford

Online Staff Report

CHICAGO — ComEd highlighted their $50 million customer assistance program with an event at the Rockford Department of Human Services April 5.

ComEd will provide $50 million in financial support over the next five years to customers in need, a direct result of the historic Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act. The $10 million in annual support for 2012 marks a significant commitment.

ComEd outlined its renewed commitment to the Residential Special Hardship program, a customer assistance initiative that expired last year, during a ComEd customer assistance program event in Rockford.

The Residential Special Hardship program is part of a package of ComEd customer assistance initiatives, including the C.H.A.M.P. (ComEd Helps Active Military Personnel) program announced in February and the forthcoming Non-Profit Special Hardship program, which will be financed entirely by the company.

Anne Pramaggiore, chief executive officer of ComEd, said: “We know some customers face hardships in these extraordinarily difficult times, making it hard for them to pay their bills. That is why we’re proud to lend a hand through these customer programs that were enhanced and renewed in the Energy Infrastructure and Modernization Act passed last fall by the General Assembly. We’re working hard to forge a new relationship with our customers and become even more connected to the communities we serve.”

The Residential Special Hardship Program is intended to supplement established state-sponsored programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) by providing financial assistance to customers who are most in need and to help recipients regain the ability to manage their electricity bills. Eligible residential customers who are experiencing a hardship and who are not PIPP participants can receive a grant of up to $500.

“I’m glad that ComEd is offering assistance to customers who need it the most,” said State Rep. Chuck Jefferson, D-Rockford. “Continuing these programs will help people regain the ability to manage their monthly electric bills.”

State Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Belvidere, added: “ComEd’s Residential Special Hardship Program and C.H.A.M.P. provide important opportunities for customers in need. It shows a commitment by ComEd to lend a much needed helping hand.”

State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said: “The past several years have been challenging times, and people continue to struggle to make ends meet. That’s why ComEd’s customer assistance programs, helping those who need financial support, have never been more important.”

George Davis, executive director of the City of Rockford Human Services Department, explained: “Many people are struggling to pay their monthly bills. With unemployment in the Rockford area at 12.8 percent, we’re grateful to ComEd for their support. We will be working closely with them to ensure that customers most in need, including seniors and veterans, are aware of the assistance available.”

The CHAMP program provides bill-payment assistance to deployed members of the military and disabled veterans who reside within ComEd’s northern Illinois service territory and demonstrate a need.

CHAMP offers a package of options, including grants of up to $1,000 while funds are available, a deferred payment plan, extended payment due dates, exemption from late charges, deposit reduction and budget payment plans.

“The American Legion in Illinois is pleased that ComEd offers programs to help disabled veterans and deployed active military personnel who are having difficulty paying their electric bills,” said Marty Conatser, past American Legion National Commander. “We are a center of veterans’ needs and are continually looking for more opportunities to assist our fellow service members and veterans. ComEd’s C.H.A.M.P. program will assist by providing financial relief to those in need.”

Customers may apply for the Residential Special Hardship grant at a local LIHEAP agency. Funding is available to customers as of March 1. To enroll in CHAMP, customers should call 1-888-806-CARE (2273), or download an application at www.ComEd.com/CARE.

Posted April 5, 2012