Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Wednesday encouraged families in need to apply for $150 million in utility bill assistance through the Help Illinois Families Program.
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Wednesday encouraged families in need to apply for $150 million in utility bill assistance through the Help Illinois Families Program.
In addition to utilities benefits that are available each year, the $150 million in available benefits includes an additional $80 million for the Utility Disconnection Avoidance Program for current year LIHEAP recipients who are in imminent threat of utility shut-off, the release states. This expanded safety net through UDAP is expected to support over 50,000 additional resident accounts currently on ICC utilities disconnect lists across the state.
Pritzker said. "With many Illinoisans still facing hardship brought on by COVID-19, we are making sure Illinoisians have additional support to prevent utilities disconnections and ensure families in need can make ends meet.""Support for families struggling to pay their household bills is still available through our Help Illinois Families program." said DCEO Director Sylvia I. Garcia.
"The COVID-19 pandemic combined with high energy prices has put a tremendous financial strain on many consumers. The Illinois Commerce Commission remains very concerned and continues to work with utilities and advocacy groups to protect low-income customers from losing vital utility services," said ICC Chairman Carrie Zalewski.