In a crisis like this, communication is key. All utility customers should keep these numbers handy.
No. 1: Utility hotlines
Residential: 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661)
Spanish: 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237)
Business: 1-877-4-COMED-1 (1-877-426-6331)
Emergencies: 1-800-334-7661
Payment arrangements and credit issues; 1-800-334-7661
Residential: 1-800-755-5000
Business: 1-800-232-2477
Emergencies, or to speak to someone about your account or billing information: is 1-888-NICOR-4-U (1-888-642-6748)
Customer service: 1-866-556-6001
Gas emergencies: 1-866-556-6002
Customer service: 1-866-556-6004
Gas emergencies: 1-866-556-6005
Emergencies or to speak to someone about your account or billing information: 1-877-987-2782
Emergencies or to speak to someone about your account or billing information: 1-800-422-2782
Residential Customers: 1-888-427-5632
Business Customer: 1-800-329-6261
Gas Emergencies: 1-800-595-5325
Electric Emergencies: 1-800-799-4443
No. 2: CUB’s number, 1-800-669-5556.
You would think CUB’s hotline would be No. 1. We do think we’re a top source for good information about utility customers, but you’re first call about a utility question, concern or complaint should always be to the utility itself. If you don’t like the response you get, then call CUB, and we’ll be happy to give you guidance. You can also file an online complaint here.
No. 3: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay for basic utilities—heat, gas, and electric. You can call 1-877-411-9276 (WARM) for program information. Due to COVID-19 precautions, most local agencies that serve LIHEAP customers are closed to the public. However, some are taking applications over the phone. Contact your local community action agency for specific information. Not sure which agency serves LIHEAP in your area? Consult this map. As of March 20, LIHEAP funding is still available for Illinois residents. To check the status of a LIHEAP application submitted prior to the shelter-in-place protocols, visit this website. (For more information about resources, read this blog article.)
No. 4: Your representatives
Everyone has a state senator and state representative. You can find them here.
In Washington, we each have two U.S. Senators:
Senator Tammy Duckworth: (202) 224-2854
Senator Dick Durbin: (202) 224-2152
And one U.S representative:
1st District: Bobby Rush (202) 225-4372
2nd District: Robin Kelly (202) 225-0773
3rd District: Daniel Lipinski (202) 225-5701
4th District: Jesus Garcia (202) 225-8203
5th District: Mike Quigley (202) 225-4061
6th District: Sean Casten (202) 225-4561
7th District: Danny Davis (202) 225-5006
8th District: Raja Krishnamoorthi (202) 225-3711
9th District: Jan Schakowsky (202) 225-2111
10th District: Bradley Schneider (202) 225-4835
11th District: Bill Foster (202) 225-3515
12th District: Mike Bost (202) 225-5661
13th District: Rodney Davis (202) 225- 2371
14th District: Lauren Underwood (202) 225-2976
15th District: John Shimkus (202) 225-5271
16th District: Adam Kinzinger (202) 225-3635
17th District: Cheri Bustos (202) 225-5905
18th District: Darin LaHood (202) 225-6201
No. 5: Key government agencies
Consumer Fraud Hotlines
1-800-386-5438 (Chicago)
1-800-243-0618 (Springfield)
1-800-243-0607 (Carbondale)
Línea Gratuita en Espanol
1-866-310-8398
1-800-964-3013 (Chicago)
1-877-844-5461 (Springfield)
1-877-675-9339 (Carbondale)
- The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), the agency that regulates utilities in the state: 1-800-524-0795. (The ICC just issued a moratorium on shut-offs and late-payment fees. Read our fact sheet.)
- Illinois Department of Public Health: For general questions about COVID-19 and Illinois’ response and guidance, call 1-800-889-3931 or email [email protected].