By: Ashmar Mandou

This Saturday, ComEd, Nicor Gas, and CEDA representatives will descend onto the Summit Park District to encourage customers to take full advantage of the many programs available to them in the form of financial assistance at their Community Resource Fair. “This is a great opportunity for our customers to fully understand what we have to offer and get to know some of the tools and programs we provide through ComEd,” said Bonita Parker, a ComEd representative. “I’ve been with ComEd since 2010 and have learned so many tricks on how to reduce my utility bill and I love to share what I have learned with people. I love helping people and we, here at ComEd are constantly working on programs and striving to create better ways to take care of people who are struggling to pay their bills.” Parker shared a few of ComEd’s financial assistance programs including:

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Provides financial assistance through grants that do not need to be repaid.

ComEd Residential Hardship
Are you past-due on your electric bill and have a financial hardship due to job loss, illness, military deployment, disability, or as a senior citizen? If so, you may be eligible for assistance through ComEd’s Residential Special Hardship program. Income-eligible, residential customers can apply once every two years for grants of up to $500* based on need and availability of program funds.

CHAMP
Since January 2002, ComEd has assisted activated and deployed members of the U.S. Armed Forces, National Guard, Reserves and honorably discharged veterans with paying their electric bills. CHAMP is a financial-assistance program that offers an optional package of benefits to qualified military personnel who reside within ComEd’s service territory and have fallen behind on their electric bill.

The event is open to all area residents. Customers interested in learning more can head over to Summit Park District, 5700 S. Archer Rd., Summit, IL on Saturday, Dec. 14th from 9a.m. to 1p.m. In addition, customers having trouble paying their energy bills will be able to apply for financial assistance onsite and will need to bring:

• Proof of current 30-day gross income for all household members

• Copy of most recent natural gas and electric bills

• Medical Eligibility Card for any household members who receive TANF

For more information, visit www.comed.com