Helping Hand offers $1 million to assist customers avoid service suspension due to recent hardship.

(CHICAGO) March 1, 2010 - Responding to unemployment rates of more than 20 percent in parts of the Chicago metropolitan area, ComEd has launched its month-long Helping Hand Program to pay half of balances for customers facing a recent or pending service suspension due to a financial hardship.

From March 1-31, up to $1 million will be made available from ComEd's customer assistance funds. Eligible residential customers who pay 50 percent of their outstanding balance can receive a credit from ComEd for the remaining 50 percent. To be eligible, customers must have received a disconnection notice within the last 120 days and have experienced a financial or medical hardship.

"The Helping Hand program is just that - a one-time opportunity for customers most affected by the economic downturn. This will help those facing special hardships keep the power on and regain the ability to successfully manage their electricity bills," said Anne Pramaggiore, ComEd president and chief operating officer.

Customers can sign up by calling 888-806-CARE (2273). Click the following links for more info.