BCE and its energy delivery companies supports Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at the highest level possible in order the meet the needs of low-income households and the most vulnerable, including seniors, those with disabilities and children. Each year, National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) organizes LIHEAP Action day an event which engages and educates policymakers about the need to fund the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.
Since the start of the pandemic, BCE has continually looked for ways to robustly fund energy assistance and support state and local agencies in collaborating for effective delivery of available resources. The company recognizes sustained access to a financial backstop–and an innovative approach to getting the word out about energy assistance—helps customers prevent disconnection of service, helps families maintain safe and stable housing and restores dignity by helping customers pay bills in full and on time.
Some of those efforts include:
- BCE conducted extensive community outreach campaigns during the pandemic to help customers learn more about energy assistance opportunities and partnered with trusted organizations and community voices, local government and hospitals to reach tens of thousands of customers in need.
- ComEd launched a Community Energy Assistance Ambassador program that reached thousands of customers and provided jobs for local residents.
- BCE successfully advocated for systemic policy changes to continue to support low-to-moderate income customers and helped efficiently disseminate additional relief funds for Maryland customers.
- And all six BCE utilities made it easier to sign up for assistance funds and have those funds applied to customer accounts.