ComEd Outage Customer Service — Practical Guide for Customers

Overview of ComEd outage operations

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) is the primary electric distribution utility for northern Illinois, serving roughly 4 million customers across Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties. ComEd operates a centralized outage-management system and dispatch network that steps through detection, customer confirmation, field crew dispatch and restoration. The company’s public-facing tools and formal processes are designed for both everyday localized outages and major-event responses (storms, tornadoes, ice events) that require mutual-aid crews and multi-day restoration plans.

Because system performance varies by circuit type and weather, customers should understand that ComEd treats outages by safety and critical infrastructure priority first: downed conductors and outages affecting hospitals, water treatment and traffic signals get immediate stabilization, followed by feeder repairs and service reconnections. In recent storm responses (post-2011 infrastructure investments and ongoing hardening programs), ComEd reports materially faster average restoration times on targeted circuits, though very large events still require 24–72 hours or longer depending on damage and crew staging.

How to report an outage and the tools available

Report outages online at ComEd’s official outage center (https://www.comed.com/outage) or via the ComEd mobile app available on iOS and Android. Phone reporting and live-agent customer service are available at 1-800-334-7661; for life-safety emergencies or reports of sparks and downed lines always call 911 first, then ComEd. ComEd’s outage map is updated continuously and displays estimated restoration times (ETAs) for larger events; the map and automated text/email alerts are the fastest way to get situational awareness for multi-customer outages.

When you report an outage through the website or app you receive a ticket number and can opt in to SMS or email notifications for status changes. Automated detection also triggers dispatch in many cases because ComEd’s grid telemetry flags sudden loss of load; however, customers should still call if they see downed wires, arcing, or household appliances damaged by surges, because those conditions alter crew priorities and safety protocols.

Restoration priorities, timelines and what to expect

ComEd organizes restoration in three operational layers: (1) emergency restoration — hazards and public-safety locations, (2) circuit-level repairs — restoring feeders that bring power to tens of thousands of customers, and (3) service-level reconnections for individual customers. For a localized outage affecting a single home or small block, typical restoration is often under two hours; for circuit outages affecting thousands, restoration may be several hours. In major storms, staged mutual-aid responses and infrastructure repairs commonly push full restoration to 24–72 hours or longer depending on damage assessments.

Customers should track the outage map and ETA notices for rolling updates. If your home remains out of service after the posted ETA, immediately call 1-800-334-7661 and reference your ticket number; escalate through social channels (ComEd’s official X/Twitter handle @ComEd and Facebook at facebook.com/ComEd) only after documenting attempts through the normal reporting path. Keep a written log of call times, agent names, ticket numbers and timestamps for escalation or billing-credit requests later.

Safety guidance and customers with special medical needs

Downed lines are the highest risk: always assume a wire is live. Stay at least 30 feet away from any fallen conductor, do not touch objects in contact with wires, and keep pets and children away. Report downed lines to 911 and to ComEd immediately. If the outage involves sparks, smell of burning, or visible arcing at a transformer, evacuate the immediate area and call emergency services first, then report to ComEd so crews can prioritize hazard mitigation.

Customers who rely on electrically powered life-sustaining equipment should register with ComEd’s customer service so the utility is aware of their needs and can coordinate notification options. If you have a physician-certified medical dependency, document that with ComEd’s customer service (bring account numbers, doctor letters, and a recent utility bill). In urgent medical situations during an outage, call 911; utility registration is for planning and notification, not a substitute for emergency medical response.

Billing, credits, and customer assistance during outages

Outages themselves do not automatically result in bill reductions, but ComEd reviews requests for credits or adjustments in cases where protracted outages create documented losses (perishable goods, documented equipment damage) or where restoration does not follow published policies. Save receipts, timestamped photos, and account/ticket numbers; customers typically submit claims through ComEd’s billing & claims process available at www.comed.com under “Customer Service.”

For customers under financial stress, ComEd maintains payment-assistance options, budget-billing plans and referral pathways to LIHEAP and local community action agencies. If a storm causes extended outages and additional costs, contact ComEd at 1-800-334-7661 to ask about hardship programs and temporary arrangements; also check the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) consumer assistance line at 1-800-524-0795 for regulatory guidance and complaint filing.

Escalation, complaints, and regulatory contacts

If normal reporting and customer-service channels do not resolve the outage or associated billing/credit issues, escalate with a written complaint including account number, ticket numbers, dates/times, and a concise description of unresolved impacts. File the complaint first through ComEd customer relations (use the contact form on comed.com), then, if unsatisfied, file with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The ICC’s Consumer Services Division provides mediation and can require the utility to investigate and respond within regulatory timelines.

Document everything—names, timestamps, photos, receipts—because both ComEd and the ICC will evaluate your case on the evidence you provide. Regulatory processes can take weeks; if an outage has created immediate safety or legal risk, consult local authorities and your insurer as appropriate.

• Key contacts: ComEd outage & customer service: 1-800-334-7661; Outage center: https://www.comed.com/outage; Corporate address: 10 S. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60603; Emergency: 911; ICC Consumer Services: 1-800-524-0795; Social: @ComEd (X/Twitter), facebook.com/ComEd.
• Documentation to collect for claims or escalation: account number, meter number, outage ticket number, timestamps of calls, agent names, photos of damage, receipts for perishable goods or repair costs.

Practical customer checklist for an outage

• Before you call: confirm breaker/panel, check neighbors, note whether outage is single-service or multiple homes, record exact location (address and nearest cross-street).
• When you call/report: provide account number, meter number (on bill), clear description, whether you see downed wires or sparks, and any medical dependencies; request and write down the outage ticket number.
• After reporting: sign up for SMS/email alerts via the ComEd outage center, keep phones charged with a car charger, make lists of refrigerated/freezer contents for insurance claims, and if damage occurs, photograph everything with timestamps.

What is the text number for ComEd power outage?

26633
Enroll by texting ‘ADD OUTAGE’ to 26633 (COMED).

Is ComEd having issues today?

Check all comed.com outages. Comed.com is UP and reachable by us.

How to track power outages?

Free Outage Alerts
PowerOutage.us is an ongoing project created to track, record, and aggregate power outages across the United States. Find out about us on our About page. Click on a state to see more detailed info. Data is updated site wide approximately every ten minutes.

Can ComEd reimburse me for an outage?

Damages resulting from storms, wind, ice, accidents beyond our control, vandalism, tree or wildlife contact, equipment failure, scheduled outages or normal operating procedures will not be reimbursed except possibly under Section 16-125(e) and (f), as discussed below.

What number is 1 800 334 7661?

Electricity. Commonwealth Edison (“ComEd”) is the electrical transmitter for Northbrook and the greater Northern Illinois region. Contact ComEd at 1-800-Edison-1 (1-800-334-7661) or via ComEd’s online portal. Business customers should call 1-877-426-6331.

What is the new name for ComEd?

An AI Overview is not available for this searchCan’t generate an AI overview right now. Try again later.AI Overview To change the name on a ComEd account, contact their customer service at 800-334-7661 for residential customers or 877-4COMED for commercial customers. You will likely need to provide identity verification, such as a driver’s license number or other government-issued identification. Depending on the situation, you may be asked to provide legal documentation, such as a death certificate or proof of marriage, to support the name change request.  Steps to Change Your Name on a ComEd Account:

1. 1. Call ComEd Customer Service: Use the appropriate number for residential or commercial customers to connect with a service representative. 
2. 2. Explain Your Request: Inform the representative that you need to change the name on the account due to a marriage, divorce, death, or other personal change. 
3. 3. Provide Verification Information: Be prepared to provide your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or other government-issued IDs for identity verification. 
4. 4. Submit Supporting Documents: You may need to provide legal documents that support the name change. 
5. 5. Follow Up: If the process is complicated, ask to speak to a supervisor, as ordinary representatives may not be trained to handle these specific transitions. 

Important Considerations:

• Avoid Account Cancellation: In most cases, you can request to have the service responsibility transferred to the new name rather than canceling and restarting service. 
• Be Patient: The process for a name change can be complicated and may require careful verification of your identity and the supporting documents. 
• Security: Ensure your contact information and email address are up-to-date to avoid service interruptions or billing errors. 

AI responses may include mistakes. Learn moreCustomer Services | ComEd – An Exelon CompanyComEdHow do you change the name on a utility bill? – QuoraJan 18, 2022 — You have two options. 1.) You can cancel the service in your name, then have the other person start a new service in t…Quora(function(){
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