Programs

Energy Assistance Programs

South-East Asia Center is part of the Energy Action Network (EAN). The EAN was created to expand winter heating assistance services in neighborhoods and encourage residents to save money year-round through energy efficiency measures. EAN programs administered by SEAC at its 5120 Broadway site include:

Weatherization Program

Average 32% savings for heating and cooling bills equaling hundreds of dollars per year. An average $6,500 on heating system repair or replacement is spent per home according to the DOE. Income limit is 200% poverty level or $44,100 per year for a family of four. The Weatherization Program runs year round.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

LIHEAP subsidizes energy utility bills.

The Summer LIHEAP program is meant to help households with seniors and/or people with disabilities pay for cooling costs, thus it will only provide assistance for electric bills, not gas bills. Generally runs in the second week in July. Households with seniors, people on disability, or households with an infant under the age of 36 months may apply provided they are below the income cap, which is 150% of poverty level ($2,756 gross income for a household of 4). Program generally lasts one or two weeks.

The winter LIHEAP program will help pay electric and gas bills, but will only cover heating gas. Non-heating gas bills are not covered by the winter program. Starting in September, only households below the income cap with seniors and/or people on disability may apply. Starting in November, all households below the income cap may apply. Program generally lasts until the next Spring.

Share the Warmth

This is a People’s Energy program available only to People’s Energy customers who pay a rate one heating bill. Non-heating gas bill accounts are not eligible for the program. People’s Gas will match whatever you pay towards your gas bill up to $200 or half of the amount due, whichever is lower. Program runs during the winter, dates may vary.

Good Samaritan Initiative

Qualified participants can get service restored by paying 20% or $250 of their remaining balance. To qualify, utility customers must have account balances too high to be covered by LIHEAP, but less than $3,000.

Commonwealth-Edison Hardship Fund

In cases of special hardship, Com-Ed will forgive past due balances up to $500. Household must be able to prove hardship within the six months prior to application (examples: serious illness, job loss, being on disability). Documentation of proof must be provided. Com-Ed account must be active (electricity still turned on, or only recently turned off). Applicants may apply once every three years, and must have a gross income of 200% of poverty level or less.

For More Information

For more information, contact the Broadway office.