How to lower your ComEd bill: every program that actually works
ComEd bills have plenty of levers most households never pull. Here's the honest list — including programs that have nothing to do with us — because the cheapest kilowatt-hour is the one you get help paying for.
1. LIHEAP — direct bill assistance
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program pays money toward your energy bills if your household income qualifies. It's the single biggest source of bill help in Illinois. Apply through your local community action agency — and if you're already on SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, you're likely in the qualifying range.
2. Budget billing — smooth out the spikes
ComEd will average your yearly usage into equal monthly payments so summer AC months don't wreck your budget. It doesn't lower the total, but it kills the surprise $300 month. Free to enroll through your ComEd account.
3. ComEd's energy efficiency programs
ComEd offers free and discounted efficiency upgrades — LED discounts, appliance rebates, and home energy assessments that can include free products. Less waste, permanently lower usage.
4. Payment plans and hardship programs
If you're behind, ComEd offers payment arrangements and hardship-based options. Calling before disconnection is always better than after.
5. Community solar credits — savings with no effort
This is the one we help with. Illinois' community solar program applies credits to your ComEd bill from a local solar farm — you keep 10% of the credit value as savings, up to 20% if you receive assistance like LIHEAP, SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Nothing installed, no fees, renters qualify, and it stacks with everything above.
Ready to see your own numbers? Enrollment is free, takes about 5 minutes with a copy of your bill, and nothing gets installed at your home.
Check my savingsSecure enrollment via Ampion & VoltEra EnergyThe move most households miss
These programs stack. A household on LIHEAP can also use budget billing, grab the efficiency freebies, and add community solar credits at the boosted 20% rate. Each one is a separate dial — turn all of them.
More guides: Is community solar a scam? How to tell a real offer from a bad one · How to lower your Ameren Illinois bill · Community solar for renters · LIHEAP + community solar