Gordon-Booth Supports Plan to Protect Residents Applying for Energy Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Residents who are in the process of receiving energy assistance would be able to avoid an electricity shutoff for 30 days under a plan supported by state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria.

“When someone is transitioning to energy assistance, the last thing they need is for their power to be shutoff,” Gordon-Booth said. “Especially when someone may rely on electricity for healthcare needs, or to stay cool during an extremely hot day, we want to make sure they still have access.”

House Bill 4118 would require certain electric and gas utility companies, including Ameren, to implement a Disconnection Protection Program that prohibits the disconnection of customers who have applied for a low-income energy assistance program for a period of 30 days. The 30-day period would begin when the utility receives notice from a local administrative agency that the customer has submitted an application to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) or another relevant program.

“Electricity access is critical to the health and wellbeing of families across our community,” Gordon-Booth said. “For families who could use some help, I strongly encourage them to check out the energy assistance programs that are available to see if they qualify.”

Information for residents about state utility assistance, including how to apply, can be found online at https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/utilitybillassistance.html.

House Bill 4118 passed with bipartisan support, and will head to the governor for final approval. Once signed, the proposal will have an immediate effective date.

For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com.