Some area residents who need help with energy bills, or need their service reconnected, will soon be able to get it. The East Central Illinois Community Action Agency says help from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be available starting September 1, 2021.
The program provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnecting their energy service. The help is applied directly to bills. Propane customers are being encouraged to apply when the program begins to take greater advantage of low propane prices. The price typically rises during the winter heating season.
Residents of Vermilion, Ford and Iroquois who meet income guidelines are eligible to apply for benefits starting September 1, 2021. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through May 31, 2022.
Households must be at or below 200-percent of the federal poverty level to receive benefits. Those applying will be given the option to accept a one-time payment to their utility provider, or to enroll in PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan). PIPP consists of a monthly benefit you will receive as long as you make your monthly payment that will be determined at the time you apply. PIPP is available for LIHEAP eligible households served by Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas, North Shores, and Peoples Gas.
The Furnace Assistance Program will begin on September 1, 2021 for all income-eligible households. Those applications will also be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through March 21. 2022.
Applications will be taken at all East Central Illinois Community Action Agency Offices and via mail.
In Vermilion County the applications will be taken at the Agency’s office at 56 North Vermilion Street in Danville starting on September 1st. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can call the office at 217-554-9100.
In Iroquois County eligible residents can apply at the East Central Illinois Community Action Agency office at 219 N. Central Street in Gilman. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
