Payment Assistance

For many Illinois households, utility costs can place a severe and continuing stress on the family’s budget. In some instances, the household is forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. We’re ready to work with co-op members who may have fallen behind on their electric bills.

Payment Arrangements

If you’ve fallen behind on paying your electric bill or if you’ve received a disconnect notice, please call us today to discuss payment arrangement options. Contact us at (309) 833-2101 during normal business hours. We can also review your usage history and recommend ways to reduce your electricity consumption which will lower your utility costs.

Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP)

Funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Energy and the State of Illinois, IHWAP helps low-income families in Illinois who live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Weatherization program operators employ a wide array of testing devices to determine how the most energy can be saved and install energy-saving materials such as efficient furnaces, insulation, etc.

The average IHWAP participant is able to lower their annual energy bill by more than $300 per year. To learn more, contact your local community action agency.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is designed to help eligible low-income households pay for energy services. Funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of Illinois, energy assistance is provided by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state. You must contact the agency provider in your area to apply for assistance. A complete list of county agencies, eligibility and guidelines can be found at www.liheapillinois.com.

LIHEAP will provide a one-time benefit to eligible households to be used for energy bills.The amount of the benefit is determined by income, household size, fuel type and geographic location. An overdue bill or cut-off notice is not required. You do not have to own your home or pay energy bills directly to be eligible for assistance. Your source of fuel does not have to be natural gas or electricity in order to receive assistance.

Assistance for reconnection will only be provided to households that have made a good faith effort to maintain their energy services, or can that pay a portion of the amount owed for reconnection.