Winter heating assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is still available, the Illinois Department of commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced March 25.

The LIHEAP application period has been extended until June 30, 2020, or until funding is exhausted.

Due to COVID-19, most local agencies who serve residents are closed to the public until further notice but can be reached over the phone.

The following agencies serve our members in their respective counties:

• Jo Daviess County - Northwestern Illinois Community Action Agency (NICAA): 1-815-232-3141
• Carroll and Whiteside Counties - Tri-County Opportunities Council: 1-800-323-45434
• Henry County: Project NOW - 1-309-852-4565

Jo-Carroll Energy is here to support our members during the coronavirus pandemic. We understand the hardship many of our members may face amid the COVID-19 outbreak. We have suspended disconnections for nonpayment of electric, natural gas and broadband bills and late fees will be waived.

Members should expect continued delivery of bill statements, as usage readings will continue. Please contact our office for assistance if you are unable to make your payment on time. We will work with members who need assistance on an individual basis. Please call the cooperative at 800-858-5522 to discuss payment arrangement options and to learn about assistance programs that may be available to you.

Our offices and drive-thru window in Elizabeth remain closed, however our phone lines and our website are open for member communications. Please stay in touch with your co-op, as we are here to assist in any way we can. Follow us on Facebook for information and updates.

We will get through this together.