At Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative (SIEC), we understand that energy costs may place a hardship on our member’s personal budget. In those instances, please contact our Member Services Department as soon as possible at 800-762-1400 to discuss your options. We are here to do our best to ensure you have equitable access to safe / reliable power including deferred payment arrangements.
Extreme Heat – Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative will not disconnect when temperatures are or forecasted forecasted to be above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or when the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch, advisory, or warning except in cases of theft, tampering or safety.
Winter – Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative will not disconnect when temperatures are or forecasted to be 32 degrees or below.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative (SIEC) is involved with LIHEAP which is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of Illinois. The purpose of LIHEAP is to help keep families safe and healthy by assisting low-income families by offsetting the rising cost of energy by providing direct financial assistance, energy counseling, outreach and education. Shawnee Development Council, Inc. offers LIHEAP program services in Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, and Union counties whether you use natural gas, propane, fuel oil, electricity, or wood as your fuel source. Summer cooling programs are available but always dependent upon the availability of funds. For more information, please contact Shawnee Development Council, Inc. at 618-634-2201 or visit their website at http://www.shawneedevelopment.org/.
There are three types of LIHEAP assistance:
- Energy Assistance
- These one-time payments will apply to all income eligible households. Applicants must prove they are responsible for their home heating costs. The applicant(s), or a household member over 18 years of age, must be the customer of record. If the applicant is a renter and has no utility bills, the rent must exceed 30% of the household income.
- Emergency Service Assistance
- These payments will apply to eligible households that are disconnected from their primary or secondary utilities or have been refused delivery of fuel. Applicants must show proof of any payments made within the past 90 days.
- Emergency Furnace Assistance
- Assistance applies to income eligible HOMEOWNERS only and is used to restore the heating system back to safe and effective operation by either repairing or replacement of the unit.
