Utility financial assistance programs are available to help residents stay up-to-date on their gas, electric, water/sewer and Internet bills.
City Water/Sewer:
Residents who receive an abnormally high water bill due to a leak or accidental excessive use can request a payment plan by submitting a 3-1-1 service request. Customers may submit a request for a payment arrangement once in a 12-month period. Approval is not guaranteed.
General Payment Plan:
Initial payment required to activate payment plan if you are in disconnection status.
Extended Payment Plan:
An initial payment between twenty five to fifty percent (25-50%) of the total past due amount and the remaining balance will be paid on specific dates in equal amounts over the next 6 or 12 months. Each extended payment plan request will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Proof of income is required.
Plan requirements:
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Make a down payment of 25% up to 50% of the total utility charges (including past due and current charges).
- You must remain current with future utility bills and make payments on time. Failure to do so will result in a default of this payment agreement. Your water service may be terminated or your account may be referred to a collection agency if you default.
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If you are a tenant, your landlord will be notified of this plan.
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Proof of income must be provided.
In order to qualify for a payment plan, a certification of any of the following programs or classifications must be provided (via email, fax, or in-person):
- Seniors (65 and older);
- Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI); or
- On active military duty, including reservists and national guard, or been discharged from the military in the last 180 days; or
- Death of a spouse; or
- Completion of the City’s Medical Alert Program (separate application required); or
- Homeowners in foreclosure; or
- Persons receiving worker’s compensation income benefits. Program information available on-line at www.iwcc.il.gov.
Payment plans/Payment Arrangements:
ComEd
Income-eligible customers, veterans and deployed members of the military, and non-profit organizations may be eligible for hardship assistance grants of up to $2,000.
For details about these programs, call 888-806-CARE (2273), or visit www.comed.com.
Nicor Gas
Nicor customers facing hardship may qualify for financial assistance through the Nicor Gas Sharing Program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). For information about the Nicor Gas Sharing Program, call 773-205-3520, or visit www.nicorgas.com. For information about LIHEAP, call 877-411-WARM (9276), or visit www.liheapillinois.com.
Customers may also request a deferred payment arrangement by calling the company at 888-642-6748.
The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers ideas and rebates to help customers save, including rebates on hot water heaters and furnaces, as well as free energy-saving kits. Learn more at www.nicorgasrebates.com.
Comcast
Internet Essentials from Comcast provides low-cost broadband service for $9.95 a month; the option to purchase an Internet ready computer for less than $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online and in person. Qualified families include those with at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). For more information or to apply for the program, visit www.InternetEssentials.com or call 855-846-8376. For Spanish, visit https://www.internetessentials.com/es/ or call 855-765-6995.
