Low-income utility customers protected from shutoffs under new Illinois law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new Illinois law will soon protect low-income utility customers from having their service shut off.

Electric and gas companies serving more than 500,000 customers will be banned from disconnecting service for people seeking energy payment assistance.

Customers applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) will be protected from disconnection for 30 days.

"The goal here is to make sure that utility customers, our most vulnerable community members, do not have to face the threat of losing essential utility services while they're seeking much needed financial assistance," said Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). "It's common sense legislation."

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More low income Illinoisans can receive utility assistance under new Illinois law

Mike Miletich

The plan also requires utility companies to give customers receiving energy bill assistance an additional 45 days of protection from disconnection.

"While they're in the process of seeking help through these programs, they should not be disconnected from their utilities," Stadelman said.

Electric and gas utility companies may recover costs for implementation, administration, and ongoing operation of their disconnected protection program through a revenue review conducted by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

House Bill 4118 will take effect on January 1.