Exelon, Atlantic City Electric’s parent company, recently announced a $50 million Customer Relief Fund to help low- and middle-income (LMI) customers struggling as energy supply costs escalate this summer. Atlantic City Electric, along with Exelon’s local energy companies — BGE, ComEd, Delmarva Power, PECO and Pepco — will join with trusted local nonprofits to determine customer eligibility and administer relief.
Each nonprofit will receive a portion of the $50 million commitment as a one-time charitable contribution from Exelon.
Beginning in early July, customers will be able to apply for assistance through the Customer Relief Fund. Customers of PECO in the Philadelphia area will be able to apply in August. Qualifying customers may see as much as several hundred dollars in relief.
The fund is a temporary, one-time assistance program designed to help manage the impact of rising energy supply costs as demand increases and supply is not there to meet it. Although all customers are affected by these increases, the fund is designed to provide support to those who may be most in need. While Exelon does not control energy supply costs, the company is committed to advocating for customers and working to find solutions with those who do.
“Exelon understands that high energy bills, caused by increased supply costs, are extremely stressful for low- and middle-income customers — which includes many seniors, small-business owners and families experiencing challenges,” said Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler. “The Customer Relief Fund, in addition to our existing year-round programs supporting customers with energy assistance, once again demonstrates Exelon’s commitment to our communities. We continue to work with federal, state and local officials to develop long-term solutions that ensure customers affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.”
Details regarding the administration of the Customer Relief Fund, including eligibility and disbursement of relief, will vary by operating company and its alliance with local nonprofits. Customers are encouraged to visit the websites of their local energy companies to learn how they can secure local support (link is below).
Though the Customer Relief Fund is a temporary program designed to address the current needs of customers, it is a key part of Exelon’s and its local energy companies’ comprehensive efforts helping customers afford and manage energy costs, including:
- Energy efficiency programs to help customers reduce energy consumption.
- Working with state and local governments to develop innovative programs that provide customers access to additional relief for high energy costs.
- Budget billing and flexible payment options to help customers manage costs, especially during higher usage periods.
To learn more about the Customer Relief Fund, visit here.
