Energy saver bulbs are used to reduce electricity consumption.
According to an "Electric Power Monthly" report, in June 2010, residential rates were higher at 11.92 cents per kilowatt hour compared to 11.85 in June 2009 and 11.75 in June 2008. With a trend toward rising electric rates and the increase in gas usage that comes with winter, struggling families and individuals at times need to turn to assistance programs for help. In Mason County, Illinois, there are several programs to help at-risk households with bills and improvement of home energy efficiency.
Low Income Rate Assistance
This program helps reduce energy costs for the elderly and disabled.
The Low Income Rate Assistance program in Mason County is used to aid senior citizens with their home heating bills. To qualify, applicants must be 62 years of age or older, earn less than $35,000 a year, be a year-round PUD 3 customer and not live in federally subsidized housing. The program is also available for low income disabled individuals who meet the above requirements and also have their name on the account. Approved applicants are then awarded a $15 monthly discount.
Energy Matchmaker Program
Attics receive improved insulation through weatherization.
Also known as the Low Income Energy Efficiency program, the Energy Matchmaker Program funds the weatherization of homes to help reduce the amount of energy wasted. This program is funded by the state of Illinois along with local funds. For approval, residents can contact their local community action agency. The process of weatherization is aimed at improving the efficiency of the central air system by improving insulation of the walls and floors as well as by adding additional weatherstripping and modifying the furnace.
Project Share
Writing a check to Project Share helps others in Mason County.
Project Share encourages customers in Mason County to donate funds to help cover electric bills for others in the community in need of assistance. This assistance program is the combined effort of the Mason County community including Mason County PUD No. 3, the Community Action Council (CAC), churches, citizens and customers. Funds generated from these donations are used to help qualifying families that are certified as low income based on the CAC's standards.
Keep Illinois Cool
The Summer Cooling Program helps with high bills resulting from air conditioning.
Keep Illinois Cool is an initiative to help with summer cooling costs. A contributor to the initiative is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which uses funds for its Summer Cooling Program to help as many low-income households as possible, including seniors, the disabled, those with medical conditions that can be exacerbated by heat and families with children three years of age of age and under. Eligibility requires that households seeking to qualify earn less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Due to limited funding, however, not everyone can be approved. Those who are approved receive a one-time credit of $150 to apply to summer electric bills. Keep Illinois Cool also provides weatherization services and tips for residents to follow to reduce energy expenses.
Tags: Mason County, Illinois Cool, Keep Illinois, Keep Illinois Cool, Project Share
