Help Paying Your Bill

In addition to State and Federal assistance programs, through LIHEAP, both Ameren Illinois and ComEd have financial assistance programs.

• Ameren Illinois Energy Assistance
• ComEd Energy Assistance
• LIHEAP (Illinois Low Income Energy Assistance Program)

Will switching to a RES affect customers on a Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)?

If the supplier chosen uses the utility to bill its charges, then there will be no change in the PIPP benefits. If the supplier chosen bills its customers directly (there are only a couple suppliers that bill its customers directly) the customer will lose their PIPP. Customers shopping for a supplier should ask which bill method the supplier uses to determine if they will be able to remain on PIPP if switching suppliers.

Will switching to a RES affect LIHEAP benefits?

Again, if the supplier chosen uses the utility to bill its charges, then there will be no change in LIHEAP benefits. If the supplier chosen bills its customers directly (there are only a couple suppliers that bill its customers directly) the customer could lose their eligibility for LIHEAP. Customers shopping for a supplier should ask which bill method the supplier uses to determine if they will continue to be eligible to receive LIHEAP benefits.

These plans are offered by utilities and may help customers manage their natural gas and electric bills by "levelizing" monthly payments or spreading annual costs evenly throughout the year.