CHICAGO, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- With temperatures forecasted in the 90s for Chicago and Northern Illinois this weekend, ComEd is taking additional measures to prepare for heavy electricity demand, including:
-- Postponing scheduled work that would require equipment to be out of
service
-- Scheduling extra work crews, where appropriate, to handle any problems
that may occur; and
-- Putting work crews in the field to monitor the system and respond
quickly to any problems.
As always, ComEd will closely monitor its electric system throughout the weekend. The company will remain in contact with area public officials should any potential problems arise.
Customers are reminded that help with summer electric bills is available through ComEd's three year, $64 million Rate Relief and Assistance Initiative. Through this program ComEd has granted more than 400,000 bill credits totaling $17.9 million to qualifying customers. For more details on ComEd's Rate Relief and Assistance Initiative, visit http://www.comedcare.com/, or call 888-806-CARE (2273).
Rate relief grants, credits and other programs are available now to customers most in need. For most programs, customers with incomes up to 200 percent of the poverty level, or $40,000 for a family of four, qualify. In addition, a residential special hardship fund is open to families with incomes up to 400 percent of the poverty level, or $80,000 for a family of four. Enrollment is now open, and ComEd encourages all customers who think that they may be eligible to apply.
To help customers stay comfortable, conserve energy and manage electricity bills during the weekend heat wave, ComEd offers the following energy-saving steps that can save up to 15 percent on home energy costs:
1. Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level (75 - 78 degrees)
when at home. Lowering the thermostat setting below the desired
temperature will not cool the home faster.
2. To reduce heat and moisture during the warmest part of the day, run
appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in
the early morning or evening hours when it's generally cooler outside.
Also, use a microwave to cook, or barbecue outside, if possible.
3. Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted
heat comes through windows. Simply drawing blinds and curtains, which
act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat gain to your home.
Awnings are even better, and can reduce heat gain by up to 75 percent.
Window coatings and window film can reflect as much as 80 percent of
direct rays from the sun.
4. Turn off all unnecessary lighting and appliances, which add heat to the
home.
5. Keep doors to the outside, garage or attic firmly closed to keep cool
air in and hot air out.
6. Use fans to evenly distribute cool air and reduce the air conditioners
"on" time.
For more energy-saving ideas visit http://www.comedcare.com/, or call 888-806-CARE (2273).
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation , one of the nation's largest electric utilities with approximately 5.4 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across Northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population.
