Certain households in western Illinois are eligible for some financial assistance as they try to keep cool during the hot summer months.
Nancy Walker with the Western Illinois Regional Council said to qualify for the Summer Energy Assistance Program, households must meet certain income guidelines, have senior citizens, or children under the age of 6.
"They could also have some kind of medical problem that requires a doctor to fill out something saying that they're in need of assistance because of the heat," said Walker. "Those are the ones that we can help."
The help comes in the form of $150 towards a household's electric bill. The money would go directly to the utility company, not the customer.
Eligible residents must make an appoint to apply for the assistance before July 3. They must fill out the proper paperwork and provide a copy of their electric bill to the WIRC.
A similar program is available in the winter to help low-income households pay their heating bills.
