A $10 million relief fund launched by ComEd to assist customers facing rising summer electric bills has officially closed just three weeks after its opening due to overwhelming demand.

The program, which began accepting applications on July 7, aimed to support low- to moderate-income customers—including those in Park Forest—with one-time grants of up to $500 for households and up to $1,000 for nonprofit organizations. ComEd reported receiving approximately 70,000 applications before the fund was closed to new applicants this week.

Park Forest's Sustainability Coordinator Carrie Malfeo said residents in the Village, like many others across northern Illinois, have experienced increased electricity supply charges alongside heightened energy usage during recent heat waves. ComEd said the average residential bill as of June 30 rose by $67.28 from the previous month. Some customers faced increases in their bills that reached triple digits. The utility company attributes this surge to higher wholesale electricity prices and the seasonal energy demand.

Within the program's first week, nearly 60,000 customers applied for assistance. ComEd expects that up to 20,000 customers will ultimately receive support. Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and The Salvation Army are processing the applications, and eligible customers should see credits on their bills within one to two billing cycles.

Although the fund is now closed, Park Forest officials are encouraging residents to stay informed about other available utility assistance programs, as energy usage remains high during summer. Additional information and support options can be found on ComEd's website at ComEd.com.