PEORIA — Ameren Illinois is providing energy assistance for Peoria County residents who are struggling to pay their electric bills during the summer heat wave.

On July 31, Ameren Illinois announced they will provide $100,000 in energy assistance for Peoria County residents who need help paying their summer electric bills. They will award qualifying households with a one-time grant of $250.
“The recent weeks of record-breaking temperatures have made life difficult for many of our customers,” said Ameren Illinois President and CEO Richard Mark in a press release. “Just as we’ve been working hard to keep the delivery system reliable, we remain committed to providing energy assistance to those in need, especially now.”
To qualify for the $250 grant, Peoria County residents must meet federal low-income guidelines and must use Ameren Illinois electric service. For a four-person household, the maximum gross annual income to qualify for the $250 grant is approximately $49,500.
Ameren Illinois also gave Danville residents $150,000 and residents in Metro East St. Louis $250,000 in energy assistance, on July 31.
Since the beginning of the summer, Ameren Illinois has contributed $1.17 million in energy assistance to low-income residents, as part of its ongoing commitment to help its customers who need financial assistance.
“We’ve been providing assistance for many years through a variety of programs,” said Ameren Illinois Senior Communications Executive Leigh Morris. “This year is no exception.”
Ameren Illinois contributes a minimum of $1 million annually to energy assistance programs. They also offer a variety of options to help customers manage their electric utility account, including Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, ActOnEnergy.com and Budget Billing.
The Ameren Illinois grants that are available for Peoria County residents are distributed through the Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc. (PCCEO). PCCEO also provides Peoria County residents that need energy assistance with the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The state-funded LIHEAP provides a one-time grant to eligible households for the payment of energy bills. The grant amount is based on the number of people in the household; the combined 30-day income of all of the residents in the household; the type of fuel that generates the household’s heating system; and the geographical location of the household.
The combined 30-day income of a household must be at or below the 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To be eligible, the combined 30-day income must be $1,361 or less for a household of one, $1,839 or less for a household of two, $2,316 or less for a household of three, $2,794 or less for a household of four, $3,271 or less for a household of five, $3,749 or less for a household of six, $4,226 or less for a household of seven and $4,704 or less for a household of eight.
The LIPHEAP begins September 1 and ends April 30 or when all funds have been exhausted. Households with children ages two and under may apply October 1. All other households may apply November 1. Applications are taken on a first come, first served basis.
According to PCCEO, between 10,000 – 15,000 Peoria County residents apply for energy assistance every year.
To apply for an Ameren Illinois grant or the LIHEAP, contact the PCCEO at (309) 671-3900.