Darkness falls

Sneed:

Flipping the switch: The economy is turning off the lights in record numbers.

• • Translation: Sneed hears alarming numbers of Chicagoans are seeing their electricity shut off because they can't pay their bills.

• • The shocker: Last month, more than 18,100 homes in Chicago were without electricity, according to the city Environment Department. ComEd -- which would not provide statistics, saying that's against company policy -- says the numbers this year aren't much different from years past. But the Office of Environment tells Sneed 10,000 homes were without electricity last November.

• • Background: Sneed hears disconnection stats are routinely provided to the city by ComEd to prevent tragedies related to electricity disconnections. The company began supplying the information to the city two years ago, after the deaths of six children in an apartment fire in Rogers Park blamed on a candle that was lit after their electricity was turned off.
...
• • The stunner: "The sad part is we haven't had people asking for help," said a ward source. "There are energy-assistance programs out their available for people who are having problems paying their bills." (Reach the Energy Assistance Hotline toll-free at 800-571-2332.)

How is everybody making out with their electric bills?