CWLP Opens Applications for Project RELIEF Bill Assistance Program

City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) has opened applications for its annual Project RELIEF program, offering financial support to customers struggling to keep up with their utility bills. Beginning December 1, qualifying households can seek assistance to help cover past-due balances, with the goal of easing financial pressure as winter energy costs rise.

To start the process, customers must first complete the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application. Once that step is finished, individuals can call CWLP’s appointment line at (217) 789-2414 to schedule a meeting with Fifth Street Renaissance, the local agency responsible for administering the program.

Eligibility requirements include having a past-due CWLP balance and meeting income guidelines that limit household earnings to no more than 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level over the previous 90 days. For example, a single-person household must have earned no more than $5,868 in that time frame. Applicants also cannot have received Project RELIEF assistance during the last program year and must show that all other available resources have already been used. In some cases, households may be asked to contribute a portion of their outstanding bill before assistance is granted.

Project RELIEF is funded entirely through community donations, largely from CWLP customers who choose to add $1 or more to their monthly utility bills, along with contributions from city employee payroll. Every dollar collected goes directly toward helping eligible households. Residents who wish to support the program can add a recurring donation to their bill or make a one-time contribution to Fifth Street Renaissance.

With colder weather approaching and energy usage increasing, CWLP officials encourage qualifying residents to apply as soon as possible. The program provides critical support each winter season, helping families remain stable and avoid service disruptions during a time of high demand.