Utility Assistance

Increasing fuel costs have made the Utility Assistance programs one of the largest areas of basic needs assistance that Project NOW offers.  Utility Assistance includes the following programs:

Low Income
Energy Assistance		 I-Care Ameren
Rate Relief		 ComEd
Rate Relief

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP):

LIHEAP provides utility assistance to residents living at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level in Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties.  Funded by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, LIHEAP offers the following programs:

One-Time Benefit Payments

One-Time Benefit Payments are provided to income eligible households based on:

  • Income
  • Household Size
  • Fuel Type

Clients are served on a first-come, first-served basis with seniors and the disabled receiving first priority.

Reconnection Assistance

Reconnection Assistance may be available to clients who are income eligible and can demonstrate:

  • Having Made Payments in an Effort to Stay Connected
    or
  • Ability to Contribute to Portion Owed for Reconnection

Emergency Furnace Assistance

Emergency Furnace Assistance funds may be available to clients who own their own homes and are LIHEAP eligible.  Furnaces will be repaired or replaced if:

  • The Heating System is Non-Operational
    or
  • Red-Tagged By the Utility Company

Cooling Funds

Cooling Funds may be available during an intense long lasting heat wave.  LIHEAP will make electricity bill payments on behalf of seniors, the disabled, families with very young children, and people with medical conditions that would be aggravated by extreme heat. 

I-CARE:

I-Care is a privately funded program financed through consumer donations and Mid-American Energy.  Funds may be used for:

  • Heat-Related Bills
  • Water Heater Repairs
  • Furnance Repairs
  • Window and Door Repairs

AMEREN Illinois Rate Relief Funds:

AmerenIP customers may apply for Energy Rate Relief funds.  Funds are available through the:

Bill Payment Assistance

AMERENIP Bill Payment Assistance offers one time payment on a first-come first-served basis to their customers who can provide proof of the following:

  • Income At or Below 150-200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Home ownership is not required to receive assistance

Residential Hardship Assistance

Through the Residental Hardship Assistance Program Project NOW assists AmerenIP customers with up to $600 in assistance.  They must demonstrate the following:

  • Specific Hardship (Hardship situations my include medical circumstances,military deployment or a family tragedy)
  • Income Up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Long-Term Housing

COMED Rate Relief Programs:

ComEd customers may apply for a variety of energy rate relief programs through Project NOW.  The following programs were designed to assist clients who do not meet LIHEAP guidelines for energy assistance.  These programs greatly expand the reach of energy assistance.  Funds are available through the following programs:

  • Bill Payment Assistance Program
  • Residental Special Hardship Program

Clients whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level may receive up to $1000 in assistance.