Energy Assistance Available for Low-Income Households

Continuied high unemployment rates will make the 2011-2012 heating season another challenging one for many Illinois households. In some cases, families will be forced to make painful decisions about which bills to pay and which necessities to cut. The federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. Fortunately, Rock Energy Cooperative works with LIHEAP, which benefits about 300,000 Illinois households each year.

LIHEAP Details

LIHEAP heat and electric assistance is a one-time benefit payment per heating season that is intended to help pay a portion of a household’s heat and electric costs. The benefit amount depends on household size, income, and energy costs. In most cases, the benefit is applied as a credit directly to the household’s Rock Energy account. You do not need to duplicate your efforts by applying for assistance with both your local agency and Rock Energy. We will send you a letter about one month after receiving your application that will include details on your assistance status and dollar amounts.

Eligibility

You are eligible for heating assistance if your household’s combined income is at or below the levels shown on this chart:

                                       Source: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

Where to Apply
To apply for assistance, you’ll need to complete a Home Energy Plus application and provide information on each household member and their income as well as records of your heating costs. For more information and application details, please contact your local office:

Weatherization Services
When you apply for energy assistance, the local agency also will see if you qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps fund energy efficiency home improvement projects. If you are eligible for weatherization services, an energy auditor will look at your home to see what can be done to make it more energy efficient. Weatherization services differ with each home, depending on how it was built and its condition.

Rock Cooperative Care

Rock Energy also helps low-income members through Rock Cooperative Care, which provides energy assistance to supplement the state and federal programs. Click here for program details.