Peoria Standard

The city of Peoria has announced the launch of its Utility Assistance Program Lottery, which aims to provide financial aid to residents who are at risk of having their gas and electric services disconnected due to overdue bills. This program will help alleviate the financial burden on households and ensure that essential utilities remain accessible to all residents.

From Monday, February 19th to Friday, March 8th at 2:00 PM, eligible residents can apply for the Utility Assistance Program Lottery. The city will make payments directly to Ameren Illinois to cover any outstanding amount owed, as well as one month's current bill, up to a maximum of $5,000 per household.

To qualify for the program, applicants must have overdue gas and electric bills with Ameren Illinois and meet the income limit for their household size. Additionally, applicants should not be receiving LIHEAP assistance or other ongoing utility aid, and they must not reside in multi-family public housing units.

Residents interested in applying for the Utility Assistance Program Lottery have three options to submit their applications. They can apply online by visiting the Utility Assistance Program page, call (309) 494-8600, or visit City Hall in person at 419 Fulton Street, Room 203, Peoria, IL 61602, during the designated hours of Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

The lottery draw will take place on Tuesday, March 12th at 10:00 AM. The lottery will be conducted online via GoToMeeting, and participants can join using their computers, tablets, or smartphones by accessing the following link: [https://meet.goto.com/CityPZC/utility-assistance-lottery](https://meet.goto.com/CityPZC/utility-assistance-lottery). The access code required to join the lottery is 681-269-069. It is important to note that attendance at the lottery draw is not mandatory for selection.

Following the lottery, City staff will reach out to all applicants in the days following the drawing. The list of selected participants, as well as those on the waitlist, will be posted online for transparency purposes.

For any inquiries or further assistance, residents are encouraged to contact the Development Center or send an email to grants@peoriagov.org.

The Utility Assistance Program Lottery in Peoria is a crucial initiative that aims to provide relief to residents facing financial challenges in paying their gas and electric bills. By offering direct assistance and ensuring continued access to essential utilities, the city of Peoria is committed to supporting its residents during these difficult times.