ComEd Coverage Area, Rebates, and Outage Tools

About ComEd

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) is Illinois’ largest electric utility, serving over 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, including Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. While ComEd doesn’t generate electricity, it’s responsible for delivering power to your home, maintaining power lines, and responding to outages. As a subsidiary of Exelon, ComEd has been delivering electricity for more than a century, managing over 90,000 miles of power lines across an 11,400-square-mile territory.

ComEd is known for its commitment to clean energy and grid modernization, investing in smart technology to reduce outages and improve efficiency. They also offer a variety of rebates, discounts, and energy-saving programs to help customers lower their bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

ComEd’s Service Area

ComEd’s service territory stretches from the Wisconsin border down to Pontiac, Illinois, and from the Indiana border westward to the Mississippi River. This expansive area includes major cities like Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Naperville, and Joliet, covering approximately 70% of Illinois’ population.

Where Does ComEd’s Energy Come From?

ComEd purchases electricity from a mix of sources, including renewable energy like wind and solar, natural gas, nuclear, and coal. Illinois is a leader in clean energy, with a significant portion of its power coming from nuclear and renewable sources. If you’re environmentally conscious, you can opt for a retail supplier that offers 100% renewable plans or take advantage of ComEd’s renewable energy programs.

ComEd is actively working towards a greener future. In 2023, all 54 of its facilities were powered with over 70,000 MWh of carbon-free energy, preventing more than 21,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

Choosing a Retail Electric Provider (REP)

While ComEd delivers your electricity, you can choose who supplies it. This is where retail electric providers (REPs) come in. REPs offer different rates, contract terms, and renewable energy options, giving you more control over your energy costs.

Why Choose a REP?

• Potential savings: Some REPs offer lower rates than ComEd’s default supply price.
• Renewable energy options: Many REPs provide 100% green energy plans.
• Fixed-rate plans: Lock in a steady rate instead of dealing with seasonal price fluctuations.

Comparison of Top REPs in ComEd’s Territory

Here’s a quick look at some popular REPs and what they offer:

Provider	Plan Types	Renewable Options	Contract Length	Key Perks
Constellation	Fixed/Variable	100% Green Plans	12-36 months	No early cancellation fees
Direct Energy	Fixed/Variable	Partial Green Plans	6-24 months	Bill credits & rewards programs
CleanChoice	100% Renewable	Wind & Solar	12-24 months	Eco-friendly focus
Ambit Energy	Fixed-Rate	Traditional & Green	12-24 months	Referral bonuses & discounts

*providers and plans may vary by location. Search your ZIP code to find what is available in your area.

Things to Consider When Choosing a REP

• Rate vs. ComEd’s Price-to-Compare: Always check if the REP’s rate is lower than ComEd’s default rate.
• Contract terms: Avoid long-term contracts if you prefer flexibility.
• Early termination fees: Some REPs charge fees if you cancel early.
• Customer reviews: Look for feedback on billing accuracy and customer service.
• Renewable Content: If sustainability is important to you, look for REPs offering green energy plans.

How to Search for & Report Outages

Power outages happen, but ComEd makes it easy to stay informed:

• Check outages online: Visit ComEd’s Outage Map for real-time updates.
• Report an outage: Call 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661) or use the ComEd app.
• Text alerts: Sign up for outage notifications via text.

The ComEd App: Your Energy Companion

The ComEd mobile app (available for iOS and Android) is a handy tool for managing your account:

• Track usage in real-time.
• Pay your bill quickly and securely.
• Report outages with a single tap.
• Receive alerts for high usage or outages.

Rebates, Discounts & Incentives from ComEd

ComEd offers several ways to save:

• Energy-efficient appliance rebates: Get money back for upgrading to ENERGY STAR® products.
• Peak Time Savings: Earn bill credits for reducing usage during high-demand times.
• Income-based assistance: Programs like LIHEAP and ComEd’s CARE Discounts help eligible customers lower bills.
• Solar & renewable incentives: Rebates for installing solar panels or joining community solar programs.
• EV Charger Rebates: Up to $1,000 rebates for Level 2 EV charger installations, with additional income-based incentives.
• Energy Efficiency Programs: Free home energy assessments and discounts on energy-saving products.

ComEd’s Commitment to Clean Energy

ComEd is actively working to transition its energy supply to cleaner sources. As of recent reports, ComEd can meet 96% or more of its customers’ energy consumption with decarbonized energy sources on an hourly basis, with plans to reach 100% in the near future.

Grid Modernization and Renewable Integration

To support the growth of renewable energy, ComEd is investing in grid modernization. These investments are essential to accommodate new technologies and renewable energy sources, ensuring reliable delivery of clean energy to customers.

Community Solar Programs

ComEd is expanding access to solar energy through community solar projects. In 2023, over 54,000 solar systems and related energy storage facilities were connected to the ComEd system, including the 100th community solar site in northern Illinois. These projects enable approximately 25,000 residential customers to benefit from solar energy without installing panels on their own homes.

How It Works:

• Subscription Model: Customers subscribe to a share of a local solar farm operated by third-party developers.
• Energy Generation: The solar farm produces electricity, which is fed into the local grid.
• Bill Credits: Subscribers receive credits on their monthly ComEd electric bills based on their share of the solar energy produced, effectively reducing their energy supply charges.
• Dual Billing: Participants receive two bills: one from ComEd reflecting the solar credits and another from the solar developer for the subscription fee.

Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Subscribers can save approximately 5-10% annually on electricity costs.
• Accessibility: No need for personal solar panel installations, making it accessible to a broader range of customers.
• Environmental Impact: Supports the growth of renewable energy and contributes to reducing carbon emissions.

Enrollment:

Interested customers can find more information and sign up through ComEd’s official website or by contacting approved community solar developers in their area.

Supporting Electric Vehicle Adoption

ComEd is also facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by preparing to power up the state’s largest EV battery plant. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support the clean energy transition and economic development in northern Illinois communities.

Innovation and Customer Engagement

Through programs like Customer Innovation, ComEd is exploring new ways to make energy efficiency, electrification, and distributed energy resources more accessible and effective for all customers.

If you value reliability, clean energy, and strong customer support, ComEd is a solid choice. While you can stick with their default supply, shopping around for a REP could save you money or align better with your environmental goals.

FAQs About ComEd