The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today reminded residents of utility relief available to low-income families throughout the state. Through Governor Pritzker’s Help Illinois Families program, DCEO has launched over $295 million in utility assistance programming available for low-income households across the state and is accepting applications…...
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…...
New crisis program to provide water bill assistance
Help is on the way for thousands of Illinois households struggling with their water and wastewater bills during the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) as a two-year crisis program providing benefits for water customers in need…...
Energy assistance updates, tips to keep your utility service on during the pandemic
The pandemic has been so hard on Illinois utility customers that it’s gained national attention. An economist discovered that close to 1 percent of all residences in Illinois were cut off for nonpayment in October 2020, according to an in-depth report by the Washington Post. Steve Cicala, an economist at…...
Financial assistance for utility bills available through June 30 to low-income families in Illinois
Low-income families in the state of Illinois can still apply for financial assistance to help pay for gas or electric bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until June 30, 2021. However, the sooner you apply, the better. CUB recommends that to avoid misinformation, the most reliable…...
Need help affording your utilities? You may qualify for bill assistance
We talk to utility customers every day at CUB, so we know people are hurting and worried about paying their utility bills. If you cannot afford your utilities, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program–or LIHEAP. LIHEAP helps low-income consumers pay their…...
Capitol Report: Bill assistance, Internet access gain support, CEJA fight rages on
Although the Coronavirus pandemic has thrown some obstacles in the path of CUB’s spring legislative agenda, the fight for the Clean Energy Jobs Act continues—and we scored a few consumer victories during the General Assembly’s special session. From May 20-23, the General Assembly met for the first time in 11…...
COVID-19 crisis: How agencies that distribute energy assistance are impacted
Agencies that distribute Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to help people afford their utility bills have been affected by COVID-19. The chart below gives a summary of those agencies. UPDATE for all utility customers: If you have a question about assistance programs to help you pay your…...
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