CA News

PECO’s $10 Million Customer Relief Fund: $500 Grants to Ease Summer Energy Bills

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by

Lucy
in

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Key Takeaways

  • PECO is launching a $10 million Customer Relief Fund providing $500 grants to eligible low- and moderate-income customers.
  • The initiative aims to help customers manage rising energy bills during peak summer months caused by increased demand and rate hikes.
  • Funding is available from August 4 to December 31, 2025, or until the funds are exhausted, administered by the United Way.
  • This program reflects ongoing efforts to address energy affordability amid rising costs and systemic supply challenges.
  • Customers are encouraged to apply early through peco.com/Relief to benefit from this timely financial aid.

Table of Contents

Why PECO’s Relief Fund Matters Now

How the Program Works

Broader Context and Future Outlook

What This Means for You

FAQ

Sources

Why PECO’s Relief Fund Matters Now

Energy costs have surged recently, with PECO’s rates increasing by 12.6% in June, leading to an average bill rise of $8 per month. The main pressures on prices include growing electricity demand—especially from data centers—and limitations in the supply, notably lower reliability of gas-fired plants1.

As temperatures soar this summer, energy demand spikes for cooling, intensifying the financial strain on households already facing inflation. PECO’s new relief fund, backed by a one-time $10 million donation from Exelon (PECO’s parent company), aims to ease this burden for struggling customers through collaboration with the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey234.

How the Program Works

  • Grant Amount: One-time $500 credit applied to energy bills
  • Eligibility: Low- and moderate-income households with overdue PECO electricity or natural gas bills
  • Application Period: August 4 to December 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted
  • Administration: United Way oversees the application process and distribution

Customers can apply and find details at peco.com/Relief starting August 4123.

Broader Context and Future Outlook

The relief comes amid ongoing efforts to manage and reduce rising energy costs that Pennsylvania consumers face. Governor Josh Shapiro and several others are pushing for reforms on regional electricity auctions to enhance supply reliability and incorporate more renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which advocates argue could stabilize or lower costs in the long run1.

PECO emphasizes its commitment to supporting customers through immediate aid and advocating for systemic improvements, recognizing that while it does not control wholesale energy prices, it plays a critical role in alleviating immediate hardships24.

What This Means for You

If you’re a PECO customer experiencing difficulty paying your energy bills, this relief fund offers a timely opportunity to reduce your financial burden. Act quickly once applications open, as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

This initiative also reflects a wider trend of utilities responding to economic pressures on consumers, especially during extreme weather periods that drive up energy consumption. It highlights the importance of community partnerships and corporate responsibility in addressing energy affordability.

Stay informed and prepared: Visit PECO’s official website and the United Way’s portal for the latest updates and assistance options.

FAQ

Who is eligible to receive the $500 grant from PECO?

Eligible recipients must be low- or moderate-income customers behind on their electricity or natural gas bills and meet other program-specific criteria.

How can customers apply?

Applications open on August 4, 2025, through the dedicated portal at peco.com/Relief. The United Way will oversee the process.

When will the funds be distributed?

Distribution begins once the application period opens on August 4, 2025, and continues until December 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.

Can I apply if I am behind on bills?

Yes. The program specifically targets customers with overdue bills.

Sources