Resident Assistance Programs
Village of Wilmette
Residential Utility Bill Assistance Program
The Wilmette Village Board approved a $150,000 utility bill assistance program to provide one-time support for households that have experienced hardship due to the pandemic. For more information on eligibility guidelines and an application:
- Click Here for Program Rules.
- Click Here for a Program Application.
- Click Here to View the Relevant Agenda Item from the 4/27/21 Village Board Meeting.
There are several Village-sponsored programs that are able to provide financial assistance to residents. Click here for more information on available programs.
New Trier Township
There are several programs offered by New Trier Township that are able to provide financial assistance to residents. Click here for more information on available programs.
Property Assessment Appeals
New Trier Township is now open for property tax assessment appeals through Thursday, July 1. This is the third year of the three-year property assessment tax cycle. Next year, in 2022, the Assessor will reassess all of New Trier. In 2020, the Assessor reduced the assessments for the vast majority of New Trier properties as a result of COVID-19.
Please reach out to Commissioner Larry Suffredin’s office if you believe your property is over assessed and you want to appeal. The office can also ensure residents are receiving correct exemptions. Commissioner Suffredin’s office will continue to work remotely for the time being.
See the New Trier Township website for additional property tax appeal information.
Cook County
Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) Utility Payment Relief Programs. Eligibility and Application information can be found in the below links.
State of Illinois
Illinois Rental Payment Program – Click here for eligibility and application information.
Nicor Customer Assistance Program
- Nicor has created a bill payment assistance program to help assist those who may be experiencing financial hardship. Click here for program eligibility and application information.
ComEd
Peak Time Savings Program
Residents may be able to earn credits on their electric bill this summer by enrolling in ComEd’s Peak Time Savings program and reducing energy usage on a few hot summer days. The ComEd Peak Time Savings free program runs from May 1 to October 31 each year. ComEd will announce Peak Time Savings Hours when energy is most in demand. The Peak Time Savings events tend to occur between 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on three to six days during the summer. Announcements about the Peak Time Savings Hours happen on the morning of the event through a phone call, a text message or an email, depending on a resident’s preference. Residents who are able to reduce their energy usage below their recent average use during Peak Time Savings Hours will earn an electric bill credit. There is no penalty for not participating in an event. For more information or to enroll, go to ComEd’s Peak Time Savings webpage or call 844-852-0347 with any questions.
Central AC Cycling Program
For homeowners with central air conditioning, enrolling in ComEd’s Central Air Conditioning Cycling Program could save them up to $40 each year. After signing up, ComEd will install a direct load control switch on the side of a home or on the air conditioner’s compressor panel, which allows the utility to cycle the AC compressor during the hottest days of the summer. During a cycling event, the air conditioner will use less energy. The air conditioner’s fan may remain on to circulate cool air and keep the household comfortable. The cycling will only be done when needed between May 1 and October 31, and it may occur on any day for a limited period. For more information or to enroll, go to ComEd’s Central AC Cycling webpage or call 800-986-0070.
Note: ComEd customers may choose to participate in ComEd’s Central AC Cycling or the Peak Time Savings program, but they cannot join both programs at the same time.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
To help eligible customers stay current on their bills, and help them avoid unnecessary fees come spring, ComEd regularly works with state and federal agencies to provide assistance options to those facing financial hardship.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that can help you stay warm in during winter by providing eligible customers with a one-time payment towards your energy bills. Benefits are available once per program year, September 2021 through May 2022, or until funds are exhausted. Whether you rent or own your home, LIHEAP offers financial help to limited-income households to pay heat and electric bills.
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is a choice within Illinois LIHEAP to help manage energy bills year-round. You will be placed on a Budget Billing plan that is subsidized by a monthly PIPP benefit amount, determined by a percentage of your household income. Each month, you receive a PIPP benefit towards a portion of your Budget Bill amount. If an on-time and in-full payment is received, you may also receive a monthly arrearage credit, if applicable.
Applications for LIHEAP and PIPP can be submitted online, by phone or in person and are available at your Local Administering Agency. Visit LIHEAPillinois.com for details. Residents of Cook County can also call 800-571-2332 for information.
Note: This webpage will be updated and revised as necessary. This page was last updated October 26, 2021.