Springfield, Illinois — Illinois State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) announced today that the LIHEAP program is starting to accept applications from seniors (60+), families with seniors in the household, people with disabilities, and customers with children under five years of age whose service is currently disconnected. The LIHEAP (Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program) program helps low-income customers who need financial assistance in paying their energy bills. The program is administered by the Community and Economic Development Association (CEDA) in Chicago. LIHEAP offers grants to help customers pay outstanding bills, reconnect service and keep their home’s energy on.

"For many Illinois households, energy costs place a severe and continuing stress on the family's budget," said Munoz. "In some instances people are forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. This program is designed to help eligible low-income households pay for energy services during the coldest months of the year."

To apply and find the location of the closest LIHEAP application site, Peoples Gas customers can call CEDA’s hotline at: 1-800-571-CEDA (2332) or visit http://www.cedaorg.net/www2/EnergyConservation.html.

Customers can also visit www.peoplesgasdelivery.com for a list of application sites and guidelines.