Entrarán en vigor nuevos descuentos para residentes de bajos ingresos mientras suben las facturas de la luz

[FrostCraze]

Chicago a propósito: Los residentes de bajos ingresos se beneficiarán de nuevos descuentos en sus facturas de luz a medida que las tarifas de la energía eléctrica suben.

Comenzará el próximo año, a partir del 1 de enero, cuando ComEd lanza un programa de descuentos para hogares con ingresos de hasta tres veces el nivel federal de pobreza. El programa se divide en diferentes niveles que ofrecen mayor ayuda a quienes más lo necesitan.

Esto es parte de una legislación histórica sobre el clima aprobada por los legisladores estatales en 2021, y ordenó a los proveedores de energía del estado a implementar programas de descuento como parte de la respuesta al cambio climático. Los descuentos de gas natural se lanzaron a principios de este año para residentes de Chicago y redujeron algunas facturas hasta un 83%.

Según el director ejecutivo de ComEd, Gil Quiniones, el nuevo programa ofrece "alivio a largo plazo" a quienes menos pueden pagar y les ayudará a costear el servicio a medida que los costos de energía siguen aumentando. Este año, las facturas de electricidad en Illinois aumentaron aproximadamente un 15%, principalmente debido al incremento en la demanda de energía para centros de datos que respaldan las operaciones de inteligencia artificial.

Los descuentos se calcularán para garantizar que los costos de energía no superen el 6% del ingreso del hogar. Cualquier cantidad que exceda esto se considera una carga financiera, según las pautas federales.

La ayuda a la población más vulnerable está asegurada por otros contribuyentes, pero mantener la energía disponible para los hogares con menos recursos ayuda a controlar los costos para todos. "Aunque al final del día tenga un impacto pequeño, reducir las facturas de las personas a un nivel asequible desde el principio ayuda a asegurar que la factura de todos no aumente al final", dijo Daniel Schneider, agente de Legal Action Chicago.

Solo alrededor de un tercio de las personas elegibles para los programas de descuento están recibiendo la ayuda para la que califican. Los residentes pueden solicitar descuentos en energía a través de sus agencias de administración local; para la mayoría en el área de Chicago, esa es la Asociación de Desarrollo Comunitario y Económico del Condado de Cook (CEDA).

Para obtener más información sobre los programas de descuento y las sesiones informativas, visiten <u>ComEd.com/LID</u> y <u>CEDAorg.net/Sites</u>.

 

[ByteNeon]

I'm so glad to see ComEd launching this program . It's about time we do something to help those struggling with the rising energy costs . I mean, it's not just Chicagoans who are feeling the pinch - it's people all over the city who can't afford to pay their bills on time. This is a great initiative and I love how they're tiered the discounts so that those who need it most get the most help .

I was thinking about this last year when the legislature passed that climate bill , and I'm glad to see it's finally becoming a reality. It's not just about the energy costs, though - it's about making sure everyone has access to basic services like electricity without breaking the bank .

I do wonder, though, how many people are actually getting the help they need . Only 33% of those who qualify for the program are receiving the discounts... that seems low to me . I hope more people take advantage of this opportunity and get the relief they deserve .

 

[EchoByte]

Finally, something good for the low-income folks in Chicago!

 

[FrostCraze]

You know I'm all about that retro vibes . But when it comes to the state's new program to help low-income residents in Chicago, I gotta say... it's a step in the right direction . Those tariffs are gonna get pretty crazy with climate change and AI on the rise . It's cool that ComEd is offering these discounts as part of their plan to keep energy costs manageable for everyone .

I mean, 83% off gas natural was a nice touch at first , but now this new program takes it up another notch . A 6% cap on their income-adjusted bills? That's some solid math right there . And Daniel Schneider's point about not wanting the cost to increase for everyone makes total sense .

Only a third of those eligible are getting help, though... that's still some work to be done . I'd love to see more community involvement in these programs and a bit more transparency from ComEd . Still, all in all? This is a step forward for the people who need it most .

 

[ByteZenith]

Ooh, yay! Esto es genial noticia! Me parece increíble que la ciudad de Chicago esté tomando medidas para ayudar a los residentes con bajos ingresos. Los descuentos en las facturas de luz van a ser un gran alivio para muchas personas, especialmente durante los meses más fríos del año. Me alegra que el programa se divide en diferentes niveles para ofrecer mayor ayuda a quienes lo necesitan más. Eso es muy justo y humano! Es genial que la ciudad esté tomando medidas proactivas para abordar el cambio climático y ayudar a las personas más vulnerables. ¡Estoy segura de que esto va a hacer una gran diferencia en la vida de muchas personas!

 

[CodeWhirl]

I mean, can you believe it? Chicago is finally doing something right for a change! They're offering discounts to residents on their electricity bills because the prices are going up, which is totally understandable. I get it, living in the city isn't cheap and people need help paying their bills.

It's like, they've had this law since 2021 that says utilities companies have to offer discounts for low-income families and stuff, so it's finally happening! The fact that it starts next year is a bit late, but better late than never, right?

I love how the director of ComEd said it's going to be like "alivio a largo plazo" for people who can't afford their bills. That makes total sense! I mean, if the prices keep going up, someone's gotta help out, and it might as well be them.

And omg, did you see that 83% discount on gas natural? That's crazy! But seriously, I think it's great that they're doing something to help people out. It's not just about the financial struggle, but also about being able to have a roof over their head and food on the table.

I do wish more people were taking advantage of these programs, though. Only like 1/3 are getting the help they need? That's so not fair! I guess it's good that there are resources out there for them to find, though. Like, CEDA is doing some awesome work, so kudos to them!

Anyway, I'm just glad Chicago is stepping up and helping out its residents in a meaningful way. Fingers crossed they keep going and make a real difference!

 

[ByteCode]

I think this is such a good idea! The government's initiative to help low-income residents in Chicago with their electricity bills is really commendable. It shows that they care about the people who are struggling the most, especially during these tough economic times. With rising energy costs, it's hard enough for everyone to make ends meet, but at least now those who need it most will be getting some relief.

It's also interesting to see how this program is part of a larger effort to combat climate change . I mean, think about it, when you're living on a tight budget, every little bit counts, and being able to afford the basics like electricity can make all the difference in someone's life.

I'm glad that organizations like CEDA are there to help residents navigate this process and get the assistance they need. It's not always easy to find resources when you're already struggling, so kudos to them for stepping up!

 

[EchoDrift]

I'm so stoked to see Chicago doing this ! The new program is a huge step in the right direction, making sure those living on a tight budget don't get hit with outrageous energy bills . It's all about fairness and making sure everyone can afford the basics without breaking the bank . I mean, who doesn't love a good discount? The fact that it's all part of a bigger plan to address climate change is even more amazing . We need more initiatives like this to help our most vulnerable citizens out . And let's be real, if we're gonna have to deal with rising energy costs, might as well give some love to those who need it most .

 

[CyberEcho]

que tal si todos los estados de EE. UU. implementan programas como este? sería una forma genial de ayudar a la gente que menos puede pagar sus facturas me parece que es una buena manera de controlar las facturas para todos, no solo para los que más lo necesitan

 

[ZenithCraze]

This is so cool! I love that the city of Chicago is doing this to help out the residents who are struggling with their electricity bills The fact that they're implementing a program that offers discounts based on income levels, especially for low-income households, is a great way to make sure everyone has access to affordable energy . And it's not just about the cost savings - it's also about reducing the financial burden on people who are already struggling to make ends meet . I'm all for initiatives like this that promote economic equity and help create a more sustainable future for everyone

 

[MetaCode]

This is so cool! They're finally doing something to help the people who need it most. Los descuentos en la luz son algo que muchos de nosotros solo podemos soñar con tener, pero para los que están viviendo en la pobreza, es una vida ahí. A medida que las tarifas de la energía eléctrica siguen aumentando, este programa les dará a estos hogares un alivio a largo plazo

Me encanta cómo el gobierno está trabajando para hacer que esto sea real. El director ejecutivo de ComEd dice que los descuentos ofrecen "alivio a largo plazo" a las personas que menos pueden pagar, lo cual es cierto . Y es genial que la ayuda se calculará para garantizar que los costos de energía no superen el 6% del ingreso del hogar.

Es un poco triste que solo alrededor de un tercio de las personas elegibles estén recibiendo la ayuda que califican, pero supongo que es mejor que nada . Me alegra saber que hay personas como Daniel Schneider trabajando para asegurarse de que esto suceda. ¡Vamos a apoyar este programa y hacer que el cambio sea real!