Energy Assistance Programs

Created as a result of the Chicago Climate Action Plan, Energy Action Network (EAN) is a city wide initiative that works to build awareness of energy efficiency throughout the community including residents and businesses- both commercial and industrial- through a network of community organizations. We Initiate outreach efforts and provide resources through actions such as community gardens, educational workshops, LIHEAP, Weatherization applications, and home bound services.
Energy Action Network works with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) who represents the interests of residential utility customers across the state. CUB’s mission is to intervene in ratemaking proceedings before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), in the courts and before other public bodies, providing consumers with information and assistance regarding their utility companies.
The idea behind EAN is to be a one stop shop for all energy assistance and education for the City of Chicago, with 20 available sites one being located in the Back of the Yards Community. Currently these are the programs being provided through EAN at The Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council:

PROGRAMS

Weatherization
Heartship
CUB Energy Saver Program
Chicago Climate Action Plan
LIHEAP
Furnace
PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan)
Hardship

Weatherization

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YEAR ROUND

Makes homes more energy efficient for income eligible clients, provides home insulation, furnace and boiler improvements.

• Income for each household member 16 and older
• Proof of Social Security number for head of household
• Proof of ownership (current tax bill, mortgage statement or recorded mortgage
• Current copy of heat and electricity bills

Heartship (Peoples Gas)

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Currently active program until Funds Expire

One-time credit equal to total balance (once in a lifetime) for households that are disconnected. Need to provide proof of hardship in the last six months in one of the following areas:

• Medical
• Military
• Senior in home care
• Loss of employment
• Disability
• Foster grandparents raising their minor grandchildren
• Family Crisis
• Property Damage
• Victimized by Criminal Activity

NEED

• Proof of Income for the last 30-days
• Copy of last Peoples Gas bill received (not only disconnection notice) can be older than 30 days
• ID of person on the bill

CUB Energy Saver Program

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YEAR ROUND

CUB provides information on slashing your ComEd bill for free. Provide your ComEd account number and you will receive a personalized energy plan that recommends specific actions and calculates exactly how much money and energy you can save. You will not only save money but you will also get points redeemable for thousands of free and discounted items at local and national retailers.

SIGN UP NOW!

Chicago Climate Action Plan

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YEAR ROUND

FREE –> Help your community save money and natural resources. Eliminate unwanted mail and phone books you don’t want. To sign up click HERE.

LIHEAP

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TWO Home Energy Assistance Programs

This winter heating season, LIHEAP-eligible applicants will have an option to decide which of the 2 affordable energy programs is best for you.

LIHEAP Direct Vendor Payment
LIHEAP DVP is designed to assist income-eligible households with winter energy services, in the form of a one-time benefit payment to the utility companies that are applied directly to the household’s energy bills. The amount of the payment is determined by income, household size, and fuel type.

LIHEAP Percent of Income Payment Plan
LIHEAP PIPP provides a monthly benefit payment to the utilities based on household utility usage and monthly income. Customers are required to pay a reduced amount on their utility bills each month to get the benefit payments. PIPP participants who make their utility payments on time will receive credits toward their outstanding balance. Disconnected households not eligible.

LIHEAP ENROLLMENT DATES:
September 1, 2011
–Seniors
–Disabled Individuals

October 1, 2011
–Emergency Furnace
–Reconnection Assistance
–Household with Children under years old

November 1, 2011
–General Enrollment

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY:

• Proof of gross income from all household members for the 30-day period to the application date.
• Copy of most recent heat and electric bills (if you pay for your home energy directly).
• Proof of Social Security Numbers of all household members.
• If a member of your household receives TANF, you must bring their Medical Eligibility Card.
• Applicants that have their utilities included in the rent must bring proof of rental agreement stating monthly rental amount, that utilities are included, and landlord contact information. (Rent costs must be greater than 30% of household gross income for 30 days prior to applications).

For more information or make an appointment, please contact April Hall at (773) 523-4416 ext. 101 or email at ahall@bync.org.

Furnace

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Only DONE With LIHEAP

Provided to households that qualify for reconnection assistance, but do not have an operating furnace or heating supply for their residence.

• Same as LIHEAP
• Proof of ownership (property tax bill, mortgage statement)

PIPP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan)

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September 1

Allows clients to enroll in a budget plan and receive a monthly grant toward that budget amount. Every time a client payment is made on time, a portion of the arrearages (previous past due balance) owed at the time of enrollment are forgiven.

• Proof of income for household for the past 30-days
• Current Copies of Gas and Electric Bills
• Proof of Social Security cards for household
• Proof of rental agreement if utilities are included in rent.

Hardship (ComEd)

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Provide one-time grant of up to $500 (once in a lifetime) for CONNECTED ACCOUNTS only.

Need to provide proof of hardship in the last six months in one of the following areas:

• Medical
• Military
• Senior in home care
• Loss of employment
• Disability
• Foster grandparents raising their minor grandchildren
• Family Crisis
• Property Damage
• Victimized by Criminal Activity

NEED

• Proof of Income for the last 30-days.
• Current ComEd bill issued w/in last 30 days even if they have disconnection notice
• ID of person on the bill