South Cook News

On April 1, the Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee passed a bill that makes utility bill assistance programs more accessible to families in need, according to a press release from Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort). 

Senate Bill 265 amends the Energy Assistance Act so that more households can qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP), both administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs.  LIHEAP and PIPP help families keep their energy connections by offering payment plans.

The bill provides that families making 60% or less of the Illinois median income can utilize the programs.

"The COVID-19 pandemic forced many working families into untenable situations with skyrocketing energy bills they cannot afford," Hastings stated in an April 2 Facebook post. "As a public servant, I take the responsibility to safeguard the livelihood of our most vulnerable residents very seriously, and I believe the legislature has the chance to do so by acting to expand access to utility bill relief programs."

Hastings' bill offers priority application for the LIHEAP and PIPP programs to households with children under 6 years old, and broadens the availability for the assistance to include all low-income residents. 

“Unfortunately, too many working families are slipping through administrative cracks or are unaware of the assistance available to them,” Hastings said. “By expanding and promoting these programs, we can give those struggling the chance to emerge from this pandemic stronger.”

SB 265 now sits before the Senate awaiting consideration.