If you’re struggling to pay your utility bill, some Illinois gas, electric and water companies are committing to help customers through the winter.
Illinois Commerce Commission chairman Carrie Zalewski says the utilities are agreeing to a moratorium on disconnections for the cold winter months, and are offering a few other assistance options.
"These are programs where you may qualify for an amount off of your back bill. Another protection that's currently available -- that's not normally as strong a protection -- is extended deferred payment arrangements."
Zalewski says the key to getting help is calling your utility sooner rather than later, since some of the programs have deadlines coming up.