ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill.— With many families seeing higher winter utility bills, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is highlighting the Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program, which can help cut energy costs and provide residents assistance with their utility bills.

“As winter approaches, many families are having to choose between paying their increased heating bills and putting food on their tables during the holiday season,” Yingling said. “The Illinois Weatherization Assistance Program is a state-run, federally-funded program that provides the opportunity for financial assistance to help working families with their utility bills.”

The program helps households with an income at or below 150 percent of the poverty level to reduce energy consumption and high energy bills. Energy conservation measures such as, ceiling, attic and wall insulation, furnace repairs or replacements, and some window and door work are provided free of charge to eligible households. Because the program is dependent on grants, limited funding is available and families are encouraged to see if they qualify by contacting their county agencies.

“Taking cost-saving measures that lower heating bills while promoting energy conservation can also put more money back into residents’ pockets, giving them a slight economic boost,”Yingling stated. “I encourage residents to contact the Community Action Partnership of Lake County by phone at 847-249-4330 or on the web at www.caplakecounty.org”

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