Help paying utility bill & disconnections

What options are available if I need help paying my utility bill?

Customers can reach out to several outside organizations for financial assistance. The most common are Salvation Army (630-377-2769) & Community Contacts also known as LIHEAP (847-697-4400). They can also reach out to the St. Charles Township Office (630-584-9342), Lazarus House (630-587-5872), United Way (211) or their church.

When can utilities be disconnected for non‑payment, and are there hardship exceptions? What needs to be done to reconnect? How long does it take?

The City may turn off your utility service if your bill (or any part of it) is not paid within 30 days after the due date, or if you do not follow the rules and requirements in this chapter.
If your service is disconnected, it will be turned back on only after:
  • All past‑due bills and any current charges are paid at the City Clerk’s office, or
  • You have met any other requirements that were not previously completed.
A minimum reconnection fee will be charged. This fee equals two times 150% of the midpoint wage of a meter technician at the time of reconnection. If the City’s actual labor cost is higher than this amount, you may be charged the additional cost.

 

If your service was disconnected because the City did not receive your application, deposit, or payment, then all of the following must be submitted in cash or money order before service can be restored:

  • A completed application (if required)
  • The full account balance
  • Any required deposit
  • The reconnection fee
Partial payments, payments by methods other than cash or money order, or incomplete applications will not be accepted for reactivating disconnected accounts.

 

Applications and payments must be received in the Utility Billing Office by 2:00 PM to guarantee same‑day reconnection.

 

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