WASHINGTON – As of October 1, 2024, qualifying Illinois gas utility customers, including those serviced by Peoples Gas, Ameren Illinois Gas, Nicor Gas, and North Shore Gas, are eligible for new, income-based monthly gas discounts to help ensure low-income customers can afford their monthly heating bills. The new discounts came about as a result of litigation before the Illinois Commerce Commission by the National Consumer Law Center, its client, Community Organizing and Family Issues, and Legal Action Chicago.
“Income-based utility rate discounts will help the most vulnerable households keep their homes warm and monthly bills affordable throughout Illinois’ long winters,” said Karen Lusson, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “As utility rates rise with the cost of living, more and more households are struggling to keep the heat on. Illinois’ robust discounted utility rate program will help residents here at home, and can serve as a model for providing relief for struggling gas customers across the nation.”
The discounts are:
| UTILITY | 0-50% FPL | 51-100% FPL | 101-150% FPL | 151-200% FPL | 201-300% FPL |
| Peoples Gas | 83% | 68% | 45% | 20% | 5% |
| North Shore Gas | 79% | 68% | 36% | 12% | 5% |
| Nicor Gas | 75% | 55% | 25% | 10% | 5% |
| Ameren Illinois Gas | 75% | 55% | 25% | 10% | 5% |
There is no charge to apply for a gas discount, and there are two ways customers can apply based on their eligibility. Discounts ranging from 10% to 83% are available to eligible households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level who apply through their local Community Action Agency. Customers are encouraged to explore additional benefits through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at that time. Customers with a household income between 200% and 300% of the federal poverty level can contact their utility company to request a 5% discount through self-certification.
Learn more about the Illinois’ Natural Gas Discount program and how to find your local Community Action Agency. New electric utility discount rates for Commonwealth Edison Company and Ameren customers are expected to be approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in 2025.
Related Resources
- Press Release: Illinois Commerce Commission Approves Robust Discounted Utility Rates, Nov. 16, 2023
- Press Release: Coalition of Chicago, Illinois, and National Community-Based Groups Propose the People’s Utility Rate Relief Act, Mar. 2, 2023
- A New Customer Bill of Rights: Affordable Utility Services, Sept. 28, 2022
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