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LIHEAP

A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP

Far too many people are struggling to afford their utility bills, so it’s important to know the process for applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the LIHEAP application period is October 1, 2024, to August 15,…...

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May gas prices continue decline across the board (well, almost!)

Continuing a promising trend, six of 9 gas utilities lowered their supply rates from April to May–but Peoples Gas, the much-criticized gas utility for Chicago residents, raised their price by 21 percent, according to a CUB review of May pricing information the companies filed with the state. The good news…...

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Alert: CUB urges struggling consumers to call their utilities before key protections expire July 31

Amid high energy prices, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is urging consumers who are struggling to pay their utility bills to call their utilities immediately to learn about protections available to stay connected to service. Some of those safeguards expire July 31. “It’s been a rough year for utility customers,…...

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CUB Alert: Apply Now for LIHEAP Utility Bill Assistance Before May 31 Deadline

With an expensive summer ahead, we urge consumers to apply now for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding before the May 31 deadline. Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level are eligible for LIHEAP funding. To help consumers prepare to apply, we are holding two…...

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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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CUB and DCEO remind residents to apply for $200 million in utility relief available now

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…...

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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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Heating bills will be expensive this winter. If you need assistance, call these numbers.

Natural gas prices are double the price from 2020 and electric rates just went up, causing growing concern as cold weather draws near. Be prudent with your electric and gas usage this winter, and practice energy efficiency when possible. If you’re having a hard time paying your bills or you’ve…...

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Upcoming CUB events for October 2021

Happy October everyone, we are officially in fall and this month is also National Energy Awareness Month! Below you will find several events that can  help you improve energy efficiency at home and protect your bottom line.  CUB is happy to announce the CUB Fall Series beginning on Oct. 13;…...

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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…...

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