Struggling to pay your utility bills? Springfield’s City Water, Light, and Power (CWLP) offers the Project RELIEF program to help customers in need.
Related: Project RELIEF: Springfield’s Lifeline for Struggling Utility Customers
This community-driven initiative provides financial assistance to prevent utility shut-offs for eligible households.
Here’s everything you need to know about qualifying for and accessing this essential resource.
Step 1: Start with LIHEAP
The first step in the application process is applying for Sangamon County’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP provides additional financial support to qualifying households.
Once you’ve completed the LIHEAP application process, you can move on to apply for Project RELIEF.
For LIHEAP assistance, call 535-3120 or visit the LIHEAP website.
Step 2: Call the Appointment Line
Beginning Monday, December 2, customers can call the Project RELIEF appointment line at 217-789-2414.
If you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, you will be scheduled for a meeting with Fifth Street Renaissance, the program’s administrator.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Project RELIEF, you must meet the following criteria:
- Income Limits: Total household income for the past 90 days must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example:
- Household of 1: $5,647
- Household of 2: $7,665
- Household of 3: $9,682
- Household of 4: $11,700
- Past-Due Bill: You must have a past-due CWLP utility bill.
- Exhausted Assistance Resources: All other assistance options, including LIHEAP, must be exhausted.
- Contribution Ability: You must be able to cover a portion of your past-due bill if required.
- New Applicant Status: You cannot have received Project RELIEF assistance during the 2023–2024 program season.
Customers with only water service from CWLP are not required to apply for LIHEAP first.
Overwhelmed by bills? Get financial help here to lighten the load!
Step 3: Attend Your Appointment
During your scheduled meeting with Fifth Street Renaissance, the program administrator will review your eligibility and determine the amount of assistance you qualify for.
How Project RELIEF Is Funded
This program is powered by community generosity. CWLP customers can opt to add $1 or more to their monthly utility bills, and city employees contribute through payroll deductions.
Every dollar donated goes directly to helping households in need, with no administrative costs deducted.
If you’d like to contribute, you can:
- Sign up to add a donation to your utility bill through your CWLP account.
- Mail a one-time contribution payable to Project RELIEF at:
Fifth Street Renaissance
1315 N. Fifth Street
Springfield, IL 62702
Additional Support for Utility Costs
Project RELIEF is just one of the programs available to Springfield residents. CWLP customers are encouraged to explore other options for managing utility costs, such as payment plans and state-funded energy assistance programs like LIHEAP.
For more information about Project RELIEF and additional resources, visit the CWLP website.
A Community-Driven Solution
Project RELIEF represents the strength of Springfield’s community.
Through local contributions and government support, it provides a critical safety net for residents facing financial hardships.
Whether you’re in need or looking to give back, this program embodies the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
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