CHICAGO (May 8, 2008) As part of ComEd’s CARE assistance programs, the utility is distributing $300,000 to help small businesses and nonprofits with their electricity bills. The program provides a one-time grant of up to $2,500 for eligible non-residential ComEd customers that are experiencing a special circumstance or hardship. The program runs from now through October 1, 2008, on a first-come, first-served basis. Qualified customers will receive a credit on their ComEd bills.

"Rising prices for gasoline, food and other necessities are not only affecting consumers—they’re also affecting the organizations that drive our economy and serve our communities," said Anne Pramaggiore, executive vice president, Customer Operations, Regulatory and External Affairs, ComEd. "That’s why ComEd is reaching out to these small companies and community groups to help them pay their bills and allow them to stay focused on their core missions."

To be eligible, small businesses and nonprofits must demonstrate that they have suffered a special circumstance or hardship. Examples of such hardships may include:

• Property damage due to a flood, tornado, high winds or other natural disaster
• Damage or theft from criminal activity or vandalism
• Unexpected loss in funding or financial aid
• All-electric space-heating customers experiencing high bills due to extreme weather

"As a nonprofit organization, we received grants from ComEd last year to support five of our locations, and it made a difference," said Sharon Neuman-Hartley, C.P.M., purchasing manager, Jewish Community Centers of Chicago. "The money from ComEd allowed us to devote more resources to the life-enriching programs that we provide to more than 35,000 people."

A Joliet-based food pantry also received a $1,000 grant through the program. Florence Ransom, director of the Bread of Life food pantry, which operates out of the New Testament church, said, “We don’t receive regular donations, but we are responsible for helping pay the church’s electric bill so we can provide our services there. The grant allowed us to keep our lights on and focus on what we do best--providing healthy, nourishing food to people in need in our community.”

In 2007, ComEd made about 160 grants averaging more than $3,000 each to small businesses and nonprofits, and this year ComEd has expanded the eligibility requirements to reach even more. To be eligible, customers must use less than 400 kilowatts per month and be either a small business based in Illinois with 50 or fewer full-time employees in the state, or a registered 501c organization, such as a church, synagogue, day care, youth center, homeless shelter or educational institution. Customers that have switched to an alternate retail electricity supplier also can apply. 

ComEd is working with the Center for Neighborhood Technology to administer the small business and nonprofit energy assistance program. To apply, go to www.ComEdCARE.com (business section) or call 773-269-4037.

The fund for small businesses and nonprofits is part of a total of $18 million in financial assistance that ComEd is distributing to customers most in need this year. ComEd also offers a variety of additional assistance options for residential customers with special needs, such as activated military personnel, low-income customers and working families. In addition, ComEd’s Summer Assistance Program, which provides qualified low-income residents with bill credits of $30, will begin June 1. Information on consumer programs is available at www.ComEdCARE.com or by phone at 888-806-CARE (2273).