Utility bill payment assistance programs are available to residents now until funds are exhausted
Oct. 28, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- CHICAGO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- To help eligible customers prepare for cold temperatures, CEDA, ComEd and Peoples Gas will hold a series of community events to make residents aware of energy assistance programs that are available now.
Representatives from CEDA, ComEd and Peoples Gas will be on-site to help attendees determine the best options available to receive one-time utility bill payment assistance through programs such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), ComEd Residential Special Hardship Fund or Peoples Gas Share the Warmth. ComEd also plans to distribute more than 6,000 energy efficiency kits during assistance fairs this winter.
"These community energy fairs present a wonderful opportunity where residents can go to get personal attention and information needed to help them manage their energy costs this winter," said Jennifer Smith, director of CEDA's Home Energy Assistance Programs.
The utility assistance fairs will be held at the following locations:
-- Saturday, Nov. 7 - Walter Reed Elementary School (6350 S. Stewart) 10
a.m. - 2 p.m.
-- Tuesday, Nov. 10 - Rainbow PUSH Headquarters (930 E. 50th Street) 4 p.m.
- 7 p.m.
-- Saturday, Nov. 14 - Westside Technical (2800 S. Western) 10 a.m. - 2
p.m.
-- Saturday, Nov. 21 - Olive Harvey College (10001 S. Woodlawn) 10 a.m. - 2
p.m.
-- Saturday, Dec. 5 - Malcolm X College (1900 W. Van Buren) 10 a.m. - 2
p.m.
-- Saturday, Dec. 12 - Daley College (7500 S. Pulaski) 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Residents applying for a utility assistance program should bring the following documentation:
-- Proof of identification as customer of record.
-- Proof of household income for the last 30 days.
-- Original Social Security Cards for all members of the household.
-- Original ComEd and Peoples Gas bill (within 30 days).
-- Current rental lease agreement if utilities are included in rent
payments.
-- Proof of home ownership for emergency furnace.
Starting Nov. 2, ComEd will introduce its Fresh Start Program, which provides assistance to any LIHEAP-approved space-heating account.
