Thousands of lower-income residents in the Chicago area will be eligible for new discounts on their electric bills starting next year as energy costs soar.

ComEd will roll out a low-income discount program starting Jan. 1 for households with incomes up to three times the federal poverty level, issued at different tiers offering more help to those most in need.

The same type of income-based discount program for natural gas bills launched earlier this year for Chicago residents , slashing some bills up to 83%. About 68,000 residents were enrolled in Peoples Gas’ program as of late October, according to the utility.

Energy providers across the state have been ordered by regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission to implement the discount programs as part of landmark climate legislation

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