Will County Gazette

A relief fund established by ComEd to help customers manage rising summer electric bills has ended after only three weeks, following a surge in demand. The $10 million program, which started accepting applications on July 7, was intended to provide one-time grants of up to $500 for households and up to $1,000 for nonprofit organizations. According to ComEd, about 70,000 applications were received before the fund closed this week.

Carrie Malfeo, Sustainability Coordinator for Park Forest, said that residents in the Village have been affected by increased electricity supply charges and higher energy usage during recent heat waves. ComEd reported that as of June 30, the average residential bill rose by $67.28 from the previous month. Some customers experienced even larger increases in their bills. The company attributes these changes to higher wholesale electricity prices and greater seasonal demand.

Nearly 60,000 customers applied for assistance within the first week of the program's launch. ComEd expects that up to 20,000 applicants will ultimately receive support. Applications are being processed by Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and The Salvation Army. Eligible customers should see credits reflected on their bills within one or two billing cycles.

While the relief fund is now closed, Park Forest officials are advising residents to look into other utility assistance programs as high energy use continues through the summer months. More information is available at ComEd.com.

"ComEd said the average residential bill as of June 30 rose by $67.28 from the previous month."

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