Recognizing the additional financial strain many families and businesses are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic, ComEd also is voluntarily extending its suspension of disconnections and new late payment charges through at least June 1, 2020 – one month beyond the original moratorium announced March 13.
“As we all wait out the flattening of the pandemic curve and stay-at-home orders, it is clear that more of our customers will struggle financially,” Dominguez said. “Today’s decision is our way of assuring our customers that the power will remain on during this crisis.” Dominguez encouraged customers who are experiencing financial challenges to contact ComEd to discuss its variety of payment and assistance options and try to avoid incurring large arrearages that may be difficult to overcome later.
Extends suspension of service disconnections, new late charges
As Illinois officials have extended stay-at-home orders to ensure public safety, ComEd recognizes many customers need to work and learn from home, making safe and reliable electricity especially critical. In addition, some are experiencing financial constraints due to the closing of businesses across northern Illinois.
In addition to extending the suspension of disconnects and waiving of new late charges, ComEd encourages customers whose electric service was disconnected prior to the suspension of disconnections to contact the energy company at 800-334-7661 to have service safely restored. As part of this process, ComEd customer care representatives work with customers to help identify assistance programs that can supplement bill payment and can help ensure service remains on after this pandemic.
Customers who struggle to cover their energy expenses have a growing range of assistance options from ComEd. The company offers financial assistance programs and flexible payment options, all of which can help eligible customers reduce budget strain and avoid disconnection. Particularly during this time when some customers are facing unforeseen circumstances, ComEd is working on a case-by-case basis with customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills to help them remain in service.
ComEd offers payment options such as budget billing, which averages payments out over a 12-month period to help customers manage their monthly energy bill, and flexible payment arrangements, including individually tailored payment installment plans. Customers who may be experiencing financial hardship should visit ComEd.com/CARE or call 800-334-7661 for program details.
“As all of us do our best to develop new routines, we also want customers to know we will continue to perform critical work on the grid to ensure reliable power today and tomorrow,” added Dominguez. “We are fully prepared to deliver on our promise of safe and reliable energy for every customer as we work through this together.”
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