Naperville to establish utility assistance program

The Naperville City Council has unanimously agreed to establish a utility assistance program to help residents and business owners pay their water and electric bills.

The residential component will be administered through Loaves & Fishes Community Services, Finance Director Rachel Mayer said. Customers that can demonstrate a financial need will be eligible to receive a one-time grant of up to $300.

The city will handle the program for commercial customers, who could receive up to $1,500, she said.

Naperville saw a sharp increase in overdue utility bills over the last year, city documents show. In December, 2,940 residential and 267 commercial accounts had outstanding balances totaling more than $2.6 million.

The council budgeted $500,000 in 2021 for helping customers pay down their account balances and avoid future service disconnections.