Illinois is launching a program aimed at easing low-income families’ end-of-month bills. The state will begin distributing assistance payments of up to $686 this October. Additionally, ComEd has a $10 million relief fund to mitigate the impact of high summer energy bills and the recent increase in charges reflected in electricity bills. The program, under the Illinois Aid to Families and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), seeks to help families facing financial hardship pay rising energy bills.
The donation is being made by Chicago-based Exelon, and the money is being administered by the city’s Neighborhood Housing Services and the Salvation Army
Under the ComEd program, the company will be offering one-time grants of $500 for low- to moderate-income customers and one-time grants of $1,000 for nonprofit organizations in northern Illinois. Additionally, it is working with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and the Salvation Army to administer the funds to eligible customers. According to information available to us, the donation is being made by Chicago-based Exelon, and the money is being administered by the city’s Neighborhood Housing Services and the Salvation Army, as previously noted.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has also verified applications for the upcoming benefit period starting in October
On the other hand, The U.S. Sun reports that the average award through Illinois’ LIHEAP program is around $686, based on household income, energy consumption, and heating source. Eligible residents will receive a one-time credit on their next electricity bill after being selected, which will eliminate the awarded amount from any past-due balances. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has also verified applications for the upcoming benefit period that started on October 1, 2025. It is important to visit an official information center or the state’s official websites to ensure you are eligible for this program.
The bill will increased by an average of US$10.6 for each electric company customer
It’s worth remembering that this initiative stems from the significant increase in electricity bills in the area, which are expected to rise by up to 10% over the next year. To be eligible, a family’s combined 30-day gross income must be equal to or less than 60% of the state’s median income. Starting in June, the bill will increase by an average of US$10.6 for each electric company customer, so the assistance will be especially welcome for those families who are most struggling to cover their basic household needs.
Electricity bills are not only “scary” during the hottest months of the year, but also during the coldest months
The utility company claims that expenses increased especially due to the closure of fossil fuel plants and the disparity between supply and demand, which placed greater pressure on the electricity grid. Illinois state officials prioritize the goal of not only providing short-term relief, but also allowing people to remain connected to essential public services as winter approaches. Electricity bills are not only “scary” during the hottest months of the year, but also during the coldest months.
Situations that make some everyday aspects of life even more challenging
“We understand that keeping homes warm and the lights on isn’t just about comfort, but also about health and safety,” a DCEO representative stated at a recent briefing. This is a very important point, especially when we’re talking about families that mostly have young children, older adults, or dependents. These situations make some everyday aspects of life even more challenging.
