The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks,
The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and
spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."
Factoid: Information pertaining to this program can be obtained by contacting the Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity during the week of July 21. The phone numbers are: Jackson County 684-3341, Monroe County 939-8715, Perry County 542-4656 and Randolph County 542-4656.
The stifling heat known to Southern Illinois has encompassed the area once again. And along with rising temperatures comes an increase in electricity bills.
Eligible residents throughout Illinois can look forward to summer electric assistance. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity notified the Western Egyptian Economic Assistance Council that a limited amount of funds have been made available to help pay for a portion of electricity costs for eligible households.
"The President has made this money available to the state of Illinois," said Donna Salger, director of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. "So we are now able to use this funding to help those in need."
In order to be eligible to receive funding, someone within the household must have asthma, emphysema, coronary disease or a terminal illness that could be improved with air conditioning. Any of these conditions must be confirmed and documented by a licensed medical professional.
Age is also a factor that can determine whether or not a household is eligible. If someone in the household is over the age of 60 or under the age of 2, the household would also be eligible.
"When it gets hot out, we get a lot of calls for fans and help with the cost of electricity bills," said Barbara Verbal, a social worker for Senior Adult Services in Carbondale. "We also open our facility to the seniors to come in and cool off."
According to the U.S. Energy Department, nationwide retail electricity prices will rise approximately 4 percent to reach nine cents per kilowatt-hour in July, August and September. This increase in price would bring the average air conditioning bill to more than $150 this year, which is a $5 increase.
Last year, 825 households benefited from this program. The number of households has varied from year to year because of applications that were not completed for the new season or medical forms that were not turned in.
Heating assistance is also available during winter months. September and October serve as priority months to help the elderly, handicapped and anyone who resides in a household that does not currently have heat. During November, anyone who completes an application and is income-eligible is helped.
"A lot of people, including our seniors, are on fixed incomes," Verbal said. "So I think that anything that helps people out is wonderful."
Applications will be taken the week of July 21 and continue for about two to three weeks afterward.
