Molly Ayala
ComEd is an electricity provider in Chicago, Illinois. While there are no specific mentions of when ComEd shuts off its services, there are some general guidelines and regulations regarding utility shut-offs. For instance, utility companies cannot shut off services during extreme weather conditions, such as when the temperature is predicted to be very cold or hot. Additionally, providing a valid medical certificate can prevent a shut-off for up to 60 days. In terms of billing, it is common for utility companies to send a disconnect notice when an account is past due, typically giving customers some time before power is shut off. The time frame for this can vary, with some companies being more lenient than others. It is also possible to make arrangements with the utility company, such as setting up a deferred payment plan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Circumstances under which ComEd shuts off service | Non-payment of bills |
| Circumstances under which ComEd is not allowed to shut off service | When gas or electricity is needed to operate a heating or cooling system; during cold or hot weather forecasts; after business hours; when a valid medical certificate has been provided; when a deferred payment arrangement has been made |
| Time taken to shut off service | 1 hour to a few days |
| Time taken to restore service | 1 day to a few days |
| Time taken to start service in a new location | 20-30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
- ComEd electricity shut-off prevention: valid medical certificate
- ComEd electricity shut-off prevention: deferred payment arrangement (DPA)
- ComEd electricity shut-off prevention: cold weather forecast
- ComEd electricity shut-off prevention: hot weather forecast
- ComEd electricity shut-off: after moving apartments
ComEd electricity shut-off prevention: valid medical certificate
A valid medical certificate can prevent ComEd from shutting off your electricity service. If you provide a valid medical certificate, ComEd cannot shut off your electricity service for 60 days from the date of certification. If your service was shut off before presenting the certificate, the 60-day protection period starts when your electricity is restored.
Additionally, a medical certificate automatically triggers a medical payment arrangement. This arrangement starts 30 days after the certification date, and you must continue to pay your current bill. The first payment under the arrangement is for 1/12 of the total amount owed if the certificate is obtained before the service is shut off. If the service has already been shut off, the first payment is 1/4 of the total amount owed. The remaining balance, in either case, is to be paid in installments along with future bills.
It is important to note that you can only obtain a new medical certificate every 12 months unless you pay off the total account balance. After 12 months, you may get another medical certificate and start a new medical payment arrangement.
To summarise, a valid medical certificate can prevent a ComEd electricity shut-off for 60 days and initiate a medical payment plan. However, these certificates are limited to one per year unless the balance is paid in full.
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ComEd electricity shut-off prevention: deferred payment arrangement (DPA)
To prevent a ComEd electricity shut-off, you can make a deferred payment arrangement (DPA) with the utility company. A DPA allows you to make a down payment on the amount you owe and then pay the remaining balance in instalments over a period of up to 12 months. Here are some key things to know about DPAs:
General DPA Rules:
- The utility company is required to offer you a DPA if you have not defaulted on a previous DPA in the past 12 months.
- For a standard DPA, you must pay at least 25% of the past-due amount and agree to pay off the remaining balance.
- You must be given a minimum of 4 to 12 months to pay off the balance.
Low-Income Customer DPA Rules:
- Low-income customers, defined as those eligible for LIHEAP, are subject to different rules.
- The down payment for low-income customers cannot exceed 20% of the past-due amount.
- Low-income customers must be given at least 6 to 12 months to pay off the balance.
DPA Reinstatement:
- If you default on a DPA, you may reinstate it before disconnection by paying the DPA amount due up to the current date, as well as any outstanding current bills.
- The utility company cannot charge a reinstatement fee to low-income customers.
Medical Payment Arrangement:
- Presenting a valid medical certificate will prevent service shut-off for 60 days and trigger a medical payment arrangement.
- If you make a medical payment arrangement, you must pay 1/12 of the total amount owed first, followed by 11 equal instalments with future bills.
- After 12 months, you may obtain a new medical certificate and enter into another medical payment arrangement.
It's important to note that utility companies are subject to certain restrictions on shut-offs. For example, they cannot shut off services on days with a hot weather forecast (95°F or above) or when electricity is needed to operate a cooling system. Understanding your rights and the options available can help you prevent a ComEd electricity shut-off.
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ComEd electricity shut-off prevention: cold weather forecast
In cold weather, utility companies are unable to shut off services when the temperature is predicted to be 32° F or lower for the next 24 hours. This forecast must be made by the National Weather Service and also applies to the day before any weekend or holiday with a cold-weather forecast. This means that if the temperature is forecast to drop to 32° F or lower at any time during the day, utilities cannot be shut off. This is because gas or electricity is needed to operate heating systems.
Similarly, during hot weather, utility companies cannot shut off services when the temperature is predicted to be 95° F or above for the next 24 hours. Again, this forecast must be from the National Weather Service. This is because utilities cannot be shut off when gas or electricity is needed to operate cooling systems.
Con Edison has a policy that aligns with these regulations. They will not disconnect residential customers on days when the Central Park high temperature, factoring in wind chill, is forecasted to be 32° F or lower. Additionally, between November 1 and April 15, they will not disconnect customers enrolled in the CONCERN program, which includes households with members who are 62 or older, 18 or younger, or permanently disabled.
To qualify for these protections, customers should notify Con Edison by signing up through their account or calling their customer service line during weekdays. During this period, income-eligible customers who have previously had their heat or power disconnected can use a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) payment to restore their service.
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ComEd electricity shut-off prevention: hot weather forecast
ComEd electricity services cannot legally shut off your electricity during periods of extreme heat. A hot weather forecast is when the temperature is forecasted to be 95°F or higher for the next 24 hours. This forecast must be a National Weather Service prediction. If the temperature is forecasted to be 90°F or higher, ComEd will also suspend disconnections for the next two consecutive days.
During heatwaves, electricity is needed to operate cooling systems, so disconnection is illegal. This also applies to residential customers on days when the temperature is forecasted to be 32°F or lower, as electricity is often needed to operate heating systems.
If you are enrolled in the CONCERN program – where all household members are 62 or older, 18 or younger, or permanently disabled – you are also protected from service disconnection between November 1 and April 15.
It is important to note that these protections are in place to ensure the health and safety of residents during extreme weather conditions. If you qualify for these protections, be sure to notify your electricity provider.
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ComEd electricity shut-off: after moving apartments
If you are moving apartments and want to shut off ComEd electricity service at your old address and start service at your new address, there are a few things you should know. First, you can schedule a stop/start ahead of time with ComEd by providing your moving day on their website. However, some people choose to handle this in the first few days after moving, as it's likely that the power is already on at the new place, and you will just need to change the billing information.
If you choose to schedule a stop/start ahead of time, be aware that the time it takes for the power to be turned on at your new apartment may vary. When setting up service online, it typically takes around 30 minutes for the power to come on, but this can depend on how busy the day is. For example, it may take longer on the first or last day of the month.
If you need to have power at both apartments during the move, you can set up service at your new apartment in advance and then turn off the power at your old apartment once you've finished moving. This will ensure that you have uninterrupted power during the transition.
To ensure a smooth transition, it's recommended to contact ComEd's customer service line to discuss your specific situation and make arrangements for the billing to switch on your move-in day. That way, you can avoid any potential delays or issues with your electricity service during your move.
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Frequently asked questions
ComEd cannot shut off your electricity service if you have a valid medical certificate, stating that the disconnection will aggravate or create a medical emergency for someone living in your household. ComEd must also restore your service if they disconnect it in this case. Additionally, ComEd cannot shut off your service if you make a deferred payment arrangement (DPA) with them.
This depends on your state and provider. Some providers send a disconnect notice once your account is 60 days past due, while others send one the day after you miss your due date. ComEd may also shut off your electricity service if your autopay fails, so it is important to keep track of your bills and payments.
Utility companies cannot shut off services during cold or hot weather forecasts. A cold weather forecast is when the temperature is predicted to be 32°F or lower in the next 24 hours, and a hot weather forecast is when the temperature is predicted to be 95°F or above in the next 24 hours. ComEd also cannot shut off your service if electricity is needed to operate a heating or cooling system.
If you schedule a stop/start ahead of time with ComEd, your electricity service may be restored in as little as 20-30 minutes. If you do not schedule ahead of time, it may take longer, depending on how busy the day is.
