The main electric and water provider in Springfield, Illinois is City Water, Light, and Power (CWLP). The company has several assistance programs that can help a low-income family with basic needs like water service, lights, and electricity. In addition to partnering with charities such as the Salvation Army and Helping Hands, PGE also offers a donation program known as Project RELIEF. Project RELIEF funds are used to help low income customers pay their utility bills. To be eligible for Project RELIEF assistance, customers must have a plan in place to stabilize their financial situation. The grace period can help people who are behind on their bills to catch up, without worrying about their service being cut off.
CWLP Resources
The company offers two options. This project provides direct financial aid to those in need and relies on donations to function. The money that customers pay for their water, electricity, and gas each month is used to maintain and improve the service. The money to maintain and improve the Springfield City, Water, Light, and Power service comes from the monthly payments of its residential and business customers.
The money is only for people who are poor and might have their power turned off. The money can go towards paying either water or electric bills that are in arrears; therefore, all types of utilities are covered. This means that the money can be used to pay for any type of utility bill that is behind in payments. Project RELIEF only has enough money to help a few hundred people each year. This service is for people who need help in an emergency and it is not meant to be used as long-term support.
The CWLP also offers, in some cases, the ability to make payments over time. If you are a customer who has always made your payments on time, but you are facing an emergency now, you may be able to get help. It helps them feel better so they can tidy up the account. The customer service team can also direct clients to government benefits that focus on electric or heating bills, such as LIHEAP or Weatherization. For more information about Project RELIEF, or to apply for the program, call 217.789.2030.
Electric and water bill help from Springfield charities
There are several charities in Sangamon County and Springfield that help people who are working poor, senior citizens, and low income. The amount of resources available from each organization varies, and is often based on how much funding they have. A local charity may receive funding from the United Way or other government sources. They can help customers pay their energy bills, water costs, housing, offer case management and more.
There are two well-known non-profit organizations in Springfield: Helping Hands and the Salvation Army, which is based at a local church. The agencies are not associated with Springfield City, Water, Light, and Power (CWLP), but they may be able to help customers in some situations.
When providing assistance with utility bills, organizations typically prioritize assistance with heating and electric bills. Water and sewer bill assistance is not as common, but it may be possible to find help with these bills. All applicants will always need to agree to a case management/counseling process with these charities. The also need to show that they make money from all sources and that they live in Sangamon County. They also need to show that the financial emergency was not caused by them. The money for utility bills will only be available when all of the conditions are met and there is funding for it.