DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) -- As cold weather approaches, so does the potential for increasing utility bills. If you're concerned about being able to afford the price hikes, there are resources available. 

One of the primary programs is Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This is available in every county in Illinois.

"It is a program that helps pay the utility bill depending on the number of people in the household, and also based on income," said David MacDonna, the Executive Director of Sangamon County community Resources. "You have to be at 200% or less the federal poverty level in order to qualify for the program."

Last year in Sangamon County, 6,500 families received LIHEAP assistance with the average benefit being $450. While LIHEAP is restricted to those making 200% the federal poverty level. If you are making more than that and still need help, you can connect with the Energy Assistance Foundation. 

"They have jobs, they're working hard, they're paying their bills, and then something has happened, some sort of financial crisis that has just impacted them," said Kimberly Mangan, Director of Marketing and Development for the Energy Assistance Foundation. "A lot of times it's medical bills, or car repair, home repair, something that just came out unexpected, and now suddenly they're struggling with some of their monthly expenses."

Mangan also helps connect families with the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, which helps families with Ameren as their utility provider, get help. City Water Light and Power (CWLP) customers also have the opportunity to get help through Project RELIEF. 

"It's a really nice program because it keeps donations local, and it's actually neighbors helping neighbors, where our customers opt to add $1 to their bill or another amount," said Amber Sabin, Spokesperson for CWLP. "we have customers that apply to that in December, and we apply credits to accounts for for those that are in a tough situation this winter."

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