ComEd Launches New Discount Program to Ease Rising Electric Bills as Chicago Faces Harsh Winter
CHICAGO (January 2, 2026) – ComEd customers facing soaring electricity costs this winter will soon have access to a new discount program, the utility announced today. The Low-Income Discount (LID) program, mandated by 2021 state climate legislation, launched january 1st and aims to provide financial relief to income-eligible households grappling with significantly higher bills during a particularly cold start to the winter season.
This comes as Illinoisans are projected to pay up to $200 more for electricity this year compared to last - a 15% increase – and potentially even higher costs throughout the winter months. CBS News Chicago Meteorologist David Yeomans noted that the Chicago area is experiencing an early and harsh winter, with snowfall from late november through December reaching record levels.
The LID program will offer a percentage-based discount on monthly electric bills,resolute by household income. Qualifying customers must have an income up to three times the federal poverty line. “It will enable qualifying income eligible customers to recieve a percentage-based discount on their monthly electric bill, and that’s determined by income level,” explained Kara Schwear, a finance assistance expert at ComEd. Discounts will range from 5% to 83% of heating bills, depending on income.
ComEd isn’t the only utility offering assistance.Peoples Gas has a similar program, launched in 2024, providing permanently reduced rates on heating bills for lower-income customers. David Schwartz, a Peoples Gas spokesperson, stated that discounts through their program also increase based on a family’s income and need.
Customers can also explore federal assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), wich often applies to the same programs offered by ComEd and Peoples Gas. More information on LIHEAP can be found at https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/utilitybillassistance.html.
