Exelon Energy is one of the largest energy providers in the United States, serving millions of customers through its family of utility companies. Whether you are a new resident setting up power for the first time or a long-term customer looking for ways to lower your bill, understanding how Exelon operates is essential. This guide provides a straightforward overview of Exelon’s services, how to manage your account, and what to do in an emergency.
What is Exelon Energy?
Exelon Corporation is a Fortune 100 energy company headquartered in Chicago. It focuses primarily on the transmission and distribution of electricity and natural gas through several well-known local utility companies.
Unlike some energy companies that generate power, Exelon’s main role is delivering that energy safely to your home or business. They maintain the poles, wires, and pipes that keep your lights on and your heating running throughout the year.
Exelon currently serves approximately 10 million customers across several states and the District of Columbia. By operating multiple local utilities, they can share resources and technology to improve reliability for everyone.
Exelon’s Family of Companies
When you receive your energy bill, it likely comes from one of Exelon’s six major subsidiary companies. Each of these utilities serves a specific geographic region.
- Atlantic City Electric: Provides service to southern New Jersey.
- BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric): Serves central Maryland, including the city of Baltimore.
- ComEd (Commonwealth Edison): Covers northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area.
- Delmarva Power: Serves customers in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
- PECO (Philadelphia Electric Company): Provides electricity and gas to southeastern Pennsylvania.
- Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company): Serves Washington, D.C., and surrounding communities in Maryland.
If you live in one of these areas, your local utility is responsible for your billing, meter reading, and repairing power lines during storms.
How to Manage Your Exelon Account
Managing your energy account is simple and can usually be done entirely online. Each subsidiary has its own website and mobile app where you can track your usage and pay your bills.
To get started, you will need your account number, which is found at the top of your paper statement. Most customers prefer to create an online profile for 24/7 access to their account details.
Once logged in, you can perform several helpful tasks:
- View Billing History: See how much energy you used in previous months to compare costs.
- Update Contact Information: Ensure the company has your current phone number for outage alerts.
- Enroll in Paperless Billing: Receive your statements via email to reduce clutter and help the environment.
- Set Up AutoPay: Schedule automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Understanding Your Energy Bill
Energy bills can sometimes be confusing because they include several different types of charges. Most Exelon utility bills are broken down into two main categories: delivery and supply.
Delivery charges cover the cost of maintaining the infrastructure. This includes the poles, wires, and personnel required to bring energy to your door.
Supply charges represent the actual cost of the electricity or natural gas you consumed. In many states served by Exelon, you have the right to choose a third-party energy supplier for this portion of the bill.
If you do not choose a third-party supplier, your Exelon utility will provide the energy at a standard rate approved by the state’s utility commission. This is often called the “Standard Offer Service” or “Price to Compare.”
Payment Options and Financial Assistance
Exelon offers several flexible payment options to help customers manage their monthly budgets. One of the most popular is Budget Billing.
Budget Billing takes your total annual energy cost and divides it into 12 equal monthly payments. This prevents “bill spike” during the hot summer months or cold winter months when energy usage is typically higher.
If you are struggling to pay your bill, Exelon provides several assistance programs:
- LIHEAP: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program that helps eligible households pay for heating and cooling.
- Payment Arrangements: Customers can often set up an installment plan to pay off a past-due balance over several months.
- Hardship Grants: Many Exelon utilities partner with local non-profits to offer one-time grants for families in crisis.
If you need help, it is important to contact your utility company as soon as possible. They are often able to work with you to prevent service disconnection.
Reporting Power Outages
In the event of a power outage, you should report it immediately to your local Exelon utility. Do not assume that the company already knows your power is out.
The fastest way to report an outage is through the utility’s mobile app or website. You can also call their dedicated outage reporting phone lines, which are available 24 hours a day.
When reporting an outage, try to provide the following information:
- The exact address of the outage.
- The time the power went out.
- Any specific observations, such as a loud bang or a downed tree limb.
Most Exelon utilities provide an Outage Map online. This map shows where outages are occurring, how many customers are affected, and the estimated time that power will be restored.
Energy Efficiency and Saving Money
Reducing your energy consumption is the best way to lower your monthly bill. Exelon utilities offer various tools and rebates to help you become more energy-efficient.
Many customers start with a Home Energy Assessment. A professional technician will visit your home to identify where you are losing energy and suggest improvements like better insulation or sealing air leaks.
Exelon also offers rebates on energy-efficient appliances. If you are buying a new refrigerator, washing machine, or HVAC system, check your utility’s website for available cashback offers on ENERGY STAR® certified models.
Simple daily habits can also make a difference:
- Adjust your thermostat: Lowering your heat by just a few degrees in the winter can save significant money.
- Use LED bulbs: These use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Unplug electronics: Devices like chargers and coffee makers draw power even when they are not in use.
Safety Tips for Gas and Electricity
Safety is a top priority for Exelon. It is important to know how to handle potential hazards involving electricity or natural gas.
If you smell gas: Natural gas is naturally odorless, but utilities add a “rotten egg” smell to help you detect leaks. If you smell this, leave the building immediately. Do not use light switches, phones, or anything that could create a spark. Call your utility or 911 from a safe distance outside.
Downed power lines: Always assume a downed power line is energized and dangerous. Stay at least 35 feet away and keep others back. Call your utility immediately to report the location of the wire.
Call before you dig: If you are planning a project that involves digging, such as planting a tree or installing a fence, you must call 811. This service is free and ensures that underground utility lines are marked so you can avoid hitting them.
Conclusion
Exelon Energy plays a vital role in providing reliable power and gas to millions of homes across the United States. By taking advantage of their online account tools, payment programs, and energy-saving tips, you can better manage your household expenses and ensure your home remains safe and comfortable. If you have specific questions about your service, your local utility’s customer service team is the best resource for direct assistance.
For more helpful guides on managing your home services and saving on utility costs, explore our other articles on SearchAndHelp.com.