How MidAmerican Energy's Bill Assistance Programs Work for Illinois Customers — Guide to Getting Help.
MidAmerican Energy is headquartered in Iowa and serves customers across multiple states, but its Illinois footprint is concentrated in Rock Island, Mercer, and Henry counties in the western part of the state. State utility rules and assistance programs differ by state, and if you're an Illinois customer, the programs available to you are specifically shaped by Illinois law and by which local agencies serve your area. This page covers what MidAmerican offers Illinois residential customers directly, and how to access state energy assistance if you qualify.
I CARE — Neighbor-Funded Bill Help
MidAmerican's I CARE program is funded by voluntary customer donations, with MidAmerican matching 25% of every dollar donated. The money stays local — it goes directly to MidAmerican customers in the communities, including Illinois, where it was contributed. If you're behind on your bill and need help, your local Community Action Agency (see the NHPB Illinois community action page) administers I CARE funds and can tell you whether assistance is currently available. To reach MidAmerican's customer service line for referrals, call 888-427-5632.
Late Fee and Deposit Exemption
Illinois law gives certain low-income MidAmerican customers the right to have late payment fees waived and service deposits either not charged or returned. If your household income is at or below 80% of the area median income for your county, or if you're eligible for or enrolled in a federal Lifeline telecommunications program, you can submit a waiver request directly to MidAmerican. If you're already enrolled in LIHEAP, you've been automatically approved — no separate application is needed, and late fees and deposits will not be assessed going forward.
To apply for the exemption if you're not already on LIHEAP, fill out the form on MidAmerican's Illinois deposits and fees exemption page and provide income documentation. If approved, any deposit you've already paid will be returned within 30 days. This exemption does not in itself qualify you for LIHEAP or any other energy assistance program — it is a separate protection under the Illinois Public Utilities Act.
Payment Arrangements
If you're behind on your bill and don't qualify for assistance programs, MidAmerican will work with you on a payment arrangement. Call 888-427-5632 as soon as you know you can't pay in full — the earlier you call, the more options are typically available. If your account is in good standing otherwise, MidAmerican will often accept a partial payment or adjust your due date while you get back on track.
Budget Billing
MidAmerican offers Budget Billing, which spreads your energy costs evenly across 12 months so your payment stays the same each month rather than spiking in winter or summer. This doesn't reduce what you owe over the course of the year — it just makes planning easier. Log into your MidAmerican account online or call 888-427-5632 to enroll.
HomeCheck Energy Audit
MidAmerican offers a free HomeCheck energy assessment for Illinois customers. An energy expert visits your home, identifies inefficiencies, and can install certain energy-saving items at no charge. After the audit, you may be eligible for rebates on qualifying appliances and equipment. This is worth doing even if you're not in a financial crisis — reducing what your home uses each month lowers every future bill.
LIHEAP for MidAmerican Illinois Customers
Illinois MidAmerican customers in Rock Island, Mercer, and Henry counties apply for LIHEAP through a specific local agency: Project NOW, Inc.
You can reach Project NOW at 309-793-6391 or at https://projectnow.org/ You can also call the state's LIHEAP hotline at 833-711-0374. LIHEAP pays a benefit directly to MidAmerican on your behalf — it does not come to you as cash. Details on income limits, how to apply, crisis and furnace assistance, and Illinois's weatherization program are on the Illinois LIHEAP and weatherization page.
Contact Information
The information above will help you understand the different options that may be available or what to ask for. It is always important to contact MidAmerican Energy as soon as possible as well - ideally before a bill is even due if you may not be able to pay it. See the MidAmerican Energy customer service page for information. https://www.midamericanenergy.com/contact-us.
Watch Out for Fake Utility Discount Offers
A scam that specifically targets utility customers in smaller service areas involves phone calls or mailers claiming that the utility company has launched a new low-income discount rate and that you need to "verify" your account or pay a small processing fee to lock it in. MidAmerican does not cold-call customers to offer new discount rates, and no legitimate program charges a fee to apply. Illinois's Low Income Discount Rate program — which does exist for customers of certain other utilities — is applied automatically when you receive a LIHEAP benefit through DCEO. There is no activation step and no fee. If someone contacts you claiming to offer a new MidAmerican discount requiring payment or personal verification, hang up and call MidAmerican directly at 888-427-5632.
This page provides general educational information about MidAmerican Energy assistance programs available to Illinois residential customers. It is not legal or financial advice. Program availability, eligibility requirements, and details are subject to change. Confirm current details directly with MidAmerican Energy or your local Community Action Agency before making decisions.
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