Help paying your heating bill in Illinois this winter

Discount rates from your utility

The Illinois Commerce Commission says Illinois utilities now offer low-income discount rates:

• Gas (Ameren, Nicor, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas): a monthly bill credit of 5% to 84% for households at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. LIHEAP enrollees qualify automatically, and households between 201% and 300% can get 5% by self-reporting income.
• ComEd: a sliding discount of 5% to 80% for households at or below 300% of the poverty level, which began in February 2026.
• Ameren Illinois electric: starting June 2026, eligible customers up to 300% of the poverty level pay no more than 3% of income, or 6% if they heat with electricity. See Ameren’s Power Bill Discount.

Nicor Gas lists its own low-income discount of 5% to 77%, with automatic enrollment for LIHEAP and PIPP customers (Nicor Gas). Ask your utility which rate applies to you. ICC consumer counselors can help at 1-800-524-0795 (ICC).

Grants from utility programs

• Nicor Gas Sharing Program: run by the Salvation Army, with grants of $250 to $500 for households between 301% and 350% of the poverty level, plus separate grants of up to $150 for veterans and seniors. You apply in person. See the Sharing Program.
• Peoples Gas Share the Warmth: run by CEDA, with grants of up to $200. Bring 30 days of income proof, your heating bill and ID. Call 800-571-2332. See Share the Warmth.

Winter shutoff protections

According to Illinois Legal Aid Online, from December 1 through March 31, investor-owned utilities (not municipal utilities or co-ops) that want to shut off your main heat must:

• Give you at least 6 business days’ notice.
• Offer a winter payment plan with a down payment of no more than 10% and at least 4 months to pay the rest.
• Tell you about agencies that can help.

They also can’t shut off heat for LIHEAP participants during that period. Low-income customers can ask for a payment plan with no more than 20% down and 6 to 12 months to pay. Utilities also can’t disconnect service when the National Weather Service forecasts 32°F or colder within 24 hours (Illinois Legal Aid Online).

Lower the bill itself

• Turn the thermostat down. DOE says turning it back 7 to 10°F for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling. Heat pump owners should use a thermostat made for heat pumps (DOE Energy Saver Guide, PNNL).
• Change the furnace filter monthly or as the manufacturer recommends (DOE).
• Weatherize for free if you qualify. The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program helps income-eligible households with insulation, air sealing and heating repairs.
• Check rebates with the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder and your utility before replacing equipment.

Never use a grill or generator indoors, and keep a working carbon monoxide alarm. If it sounds, get outside and call 911 (CPSC). If you smell gas, leave and call your gas utility from outside (Nicor Gas).

Furnace problems? See our furnace repair guide. Illinois law requires a written contract with the total cost for home repair work over $1,000 (815 ILCS 513).