#United States #Illinois American Water #Belleville #Discount Program #water affordability

Illinois American Water Celebrates a Year of Progress

On July 31, 2026, Illinois American Water acknowledged the first anniversary of its revitalized Income-Based Discount Program, an initiative designed to alleviate the financial burden of water and wastewater services for qualifying households. This program has been a lifeline for over 4,000 families across Illinois, enabling them to significantly reduce their monthly expenses while ensuring access to essential water services.

Understanding the Program's Impact

Since its expansion in July 2025, the program has served as a beacon of hope for many residents, offering an average monthly savings of $40 on their water or wastewater bills. The initiative not only supports low-income households but also aligns with Illinois American Water's commitment to providing sustainable access to safe and reliable water services.

Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water, commented on the program's success: "The expansion of the Income-Based Discount Program is helping make water and wastewater service more affordable for customers who need financial help the most. Over the last year, thousands of customers have reduced their monthly bills to help them manage household expenses."

Eligibility Criteria and Discounts

To qualify for the Income-Based Discount Program, residential customers must have a total gross income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG). Discounts are tiered based on household income levels:

• - At or below 50% of FPIG: 80% discount
• - Between 51%-100% of FPIG: 65% discount
• - Between 101%-150% of FPIG: 40% discount
• - Between 151%-300% of FPIG: 10% discount

This structure ensures that those in greatest need receive the most substantial assistance, enabling many to better manage their water costs.

How to Apply

Households seeking to benefit from the program can initiate the application process through a few straightforward steps:

1. Visit DollarEnergy.org
2. Call the Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816
3. Check out Illinois American Water's dedicated customer assistance webpage.

Once applicants are approved, the discount is applied directly to their accounts as a recurring monthly credit. Customers are encouraged to recertify their eligibility annually to continue receiving support.

Losli emphasized, "We encourage all customers who may be struggling with bill affordability to explore the assistance programs available."

Additional Support Initiatives

In addition to the Income-Based Discount Program, Illinois American Water offers various resources to assist customers, including:

• - H2O Help to Others™: A program helping customers in financial distress.
• - Payment arrangements: Flexible payment options to ease immediate financial pressures.
• - Budget billing: A plan that smooths out seasonal fluctuations in water bills, providing a more manageable payment structure.

About Illinois American Water

As the largest regulated water utility in Illinois, Illinois American Water supports approximately 1.3 million residents with safe, reliable water and wastewater services. Their commitment to customer care reflects through such programs designed to make essential services affordable to all.

With a solid grounding in community support and sustainability, Illinois American Water continues to champion initiatives that enhance the quality of life for its customers while recognizing the challenges they face in accessing basic utilities.

For further information on the Income-Based Discount Program and associated assistance options, visit Illinois American Water's website and follow them on social media platforms for updates and community involvement.