As temperatures continue to rise across the state, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced that individuals can begin applying for summer energy assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Through LIHEAP, utility bill payments are made on behalf of households with incomes of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

“Heat can be dangerous, even life-threatening, so it’s important that seniors and other vulnerable populations take added precaution the stay cool during the summer,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley. “Through the LIHEAP program, we’re trying to help even more people keep the air on, reduce their utility costs, and save energy.”

People can apply for LIHEAP summer cooling program beginning today by visiting their local administrating agency. A complete listing of LIHEAP’s local administrating agencies and additional information about the grant program are available at t www.liheapillinois.com, or by calling the toll-free “Keep Cool Illinois” hotline at 877-411-9276 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

In fiscal year 2008, over 55,000 individuals received summer cooling assistance through the LIHEAP program.