Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative is mindful that that are some situations where members of the cooperative may need assistance paying their electric bill. Whether it is making a payment arrangement to avoid disconnection, or helping members leverage energy assistance programs like Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and our own Neighbor to Neighbor (NTN) program, we regularly work with members who need help.
Additionally, understanding how your lifestyle decisions impact your electric bill can often help members lower their electric use - and bill.
Payment Arrangements
We offer a payment arrangement program for members that need a bit of help getting caught up on their bills. Please contact our office at 800-824-5102 to get more information about this process.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is designed to assist eligible low-income households pay for winter energy services. There is also a new program from the state of Illinois that may be of help. Visit helpillinoisfamilies.com for more information.
LIHEAP will provide a one-time benefit during the current program time frame to eligible households to be used for energy bills. The amount of the payment 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.
Reconnections Assistance may be available if your household is disconnected from an energy source needed for heating and/or a delivered fuel supplier has refused to deliver and the tank contains 20 percent or less.
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible to receive assistance under LIHEAP if your household’s combined income is at or below the following levels shown in the chart below. If you rent, and your heat and/or electric is included in the rent, then your rent must be greater than 30 percent of your income in order to be eligible to receive benefits.