Faver Dias Legislation to Lower Utility Costs for Working Families Passes House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Committed to lowering costs for working families, state Rep. Laura Faver Dias, D-Grayslake, advanced legislation this week to freeze utility surcharge rates while increasing access to low-income discount rate programs for gas and electric bills. 

“For families across our state, the rising price of everyday expenses is becoming a growing concern,” said Faver Dias. “With this legislation, we’re working to address this issue by lowering utility costs for working families.”

Faver Dias’s House Bill 4456 expands eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to 300% of the federal poverty level, allowing individuals with an annual income of up to $47,880, or a family of four with a household income of up to $99,000 to qualify for relief.

The measure also tackles utility surcharge rates that have been rising and becoming a growing concern for working families throughout Illinois. The legislation would permanently prevent an expected surcharge rate increase – providing long-term financial relief for all ratepayers. Altogether, House Bill 4456 would save consumers around $32 million statewide, according to Legal Action Chicago. 

“LIHEAP is an important lifeline for families throughout Illinois,” said Faver Dias. “It’s time that we allowed more people to apply and receive the support they need. That way they can focus on what really matters, instead of stressing about whether or not they can pay their utility bill.”

Additional information about LIHEAP, including how to apply, is available at https://dceo.illinois.gov/communityservices/utilitybillassistance.html. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. 

This legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.