Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials announces start of Energy Assistance Program

QUINCY — The Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program in Adams, Brown, Pike and Schuyler counties, has announced that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. 

The program will begin taking applications on Tuesday, Oct. 1, for adults age 60 or older, people with a disability, families with children age 5 and under and households disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25 percent in their propane tank. All other income-eligible households can start applying Nov. 1.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.

Households must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on federal poverty guidelines, state median income and the number of people living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows:

• 1-$2,510
• 2-$3,407
• 3-$4,303
• 4-$5,200

To find the income limits for households with five or more members, visit www.trrcopo.org or liheapillinois.com.

LIHEAP provides one-time benefits to income-eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy services. Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October. Propane prices typically increase during the winter months. By applying early, propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Applications will be taken at the following locations:

• Adams County office at 706 Maine, Quincy; 217-224-8171
• Brown County office at 206 SW Cross Mount Sterling; 217-773-314
• Pike County office at 120 S. Madison in Pittsfield; 217-285-5424
• Schuyler County at 220 W. Washington St Rushville; 217-322-6916

To submit an application, the following documentation is required:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
• For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN can still apply and Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials will advise accordingly.
• A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
• A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.

Other documents may be needed based on your household situation.

Beginning Oct. 1, income-eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new low-income discount rates. Visit liheapillinois.com or www.trrrcopo.org for more details.

People can call Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials at 217-224-81741 for more information.