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Energy Assistance

Alert: LIHEAP has reopened applications

With another potentially expensive winter ahead, CUB urges consumers to apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding, now that the application process has reopened. Households at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for LIHEAP funding. The application period runs through May 31,…...

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Worried about expensive utility bills? Check out these resources for Illinois consumers

As energy prices skyrocket and an expensive summer approaches, CUB has compiled a list of resources to help consumers who are struggling with their bills. Please share this blog post  with your friends and family.  If you or someone you know is having trouble paying for utility services, the first…...

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First person: Home energy assessment simple, easy, helpful for CUB lawyer

By Eric DeBellis CUB Regulatory Counsel As a lawyer at CUB and a new homeowner, I figured I ought to practice what I preach, so I signed up for a home energy audit through my utility this winter. My experience was simple, easy, and helpful. An energy efficiency technician from…...

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Struggling with your bills? Take these three actions

If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills during this expensive winter, you’re not alone. CUB has some guidance on what steps to take. 1) Call Your Utility. As the utility company is the entity issuing the bill and the only entity with access to your account, your first call—no…...

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New assistance program helps Nicor customers afford their gas bills

Nicor Gas and The Salvation Army are partnering to provide emergency assistance to help individuals and families pay their natural gas utility bills. Funding through the Shield of Caring program will assist residential customers who are past due on their gas bill and report a financial hardship, such as a…...

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Utility Diaries: A Month of Bills in Urbana, Illinois

In Utility Diaries, we look at what different households across Illinois pay in a month for utility expenses.  Today’s household consists of two people in a rented house in Urbana.   Housing Background Location: Urbana, IL Household Size: 2 people Housing Type: House Rent or Own: Rent Square Footage: 1,215 Year…...

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News from CUB: Updated LIHEAP fact sheet provides key steps to getting help to pay your utility bills during pandemic

Amid the worst public health and economic crisis in Illinois history, CUB is spreading the word about how families can get help paying their utility bills.  Check out these resources: Our newly updated fact sheet, Energy Assistance: Questions and Answers. Our infographic on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP),…...

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