THERE WILL BE MORE HELP FOR PEOPLE STRUGGLING TO PAY THEIR UTILITY BILLS UNDER A NEW AGREEMENT APPROVED BY THE ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION. 

THE AGREEMENT COVERS EIGHT OF THE STATE'S MAJOR UTILITIES INCLUDING AMEREN AND COM-ED, ASSISTING BOTH QUALIFYING RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL BUSINESS CUSTOMERS DURING THE PANDEMIC. I-C-C CHAIRWOMAN CARRIE ZALEWSKI SAYS THAT INCLUDES FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS AND RECONNECTING THOSE WHO HAVE LOST SERVICE BECAUSE OF NONPAYMENT AT NO CHARGE. THERE'S ALSO HELP FOR CUSTOMERS DROWNING IN DEBT.

THE CONSUMER PROTECTIONS INCLUDED IN THE AGREEMENT FOR QUALIFYING RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL BUSINESS CUSTOMERS INCLUDE FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS, RECONNECTIONS WITH NO FEES AND NOT REPORTING OVERDUE BILLS TO CREDIT BUREAUS. I-C-C CHAIRWOMAN CARRIE ZALEWSKI SAYS THE BEST PART, IS THAT CUSTOMERS HIT HARD BY THE PANDEMIC WON'T HAVE TO GO THROUGH A BUNCH OF RED TAPE TO QUALIFY.

SOME MAY EVEN BE ABLE TO GET A REDUCTION ON THEIR BILL. THIS AGREEMENT COVERS EIGHT OF THE STATE'S MAJOR UTILITIES, ALTHOUGH A SIMILAR ONE IS IN PLACE WITH SMALLER COMPANIES. ZALEWSKI SAYS IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR UTILITY YOU CAN CONTACT THE I-C-C DIRECTLY FOR ASSISTANCE. VISIT ICC DOT ILLINOIS DOT GOV FOR MORE INFORMATION.