Summer energy assistance available in Illinois
ILLINOIS - Low-income residents in Illinois can now apply for state assistance to pay their summer air conditioning bills.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity said that summer energy assistance is now available via the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program provides utility bill aid to households with incomes of up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level.
Director Warren Ribley says the state wants "to help even more people keep the air on, reduce their utility costs and save energy." Ribley warns hot conditions can be life-threatening and says vulnerable residents and senior citizens should stay cool this summer.
Eligible residents can contact the "Keep Cool Illinois" hotline at 877-411-9276.
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WINNIPEG - Manitoba Hydro is scaling back its rate hike request for next year, instead of the annual 7.9 per cent hikes the Crown corporation previously said it would need until 2023-24 to address debt.
Hydro is asking the Public Utilities Board for a 3.5 per cent rate increase next year, which would take effect on April 1.
In last week's application, Hydro said its new board is reviewing the corporation's financial picture. Once that is complete, the utility expects to submit a new multi-year rate application in late 2019 that addresses the organization's long-term future.
"It's too speculative at this point to discuss any possible future rate increases," spokesperson Bruce…
